When you are in the process of buying a new home, there are many things that you have to consider. One of the most essential things that you need to consider is the plumbing system of the house. The plumbing system is an essential part of any home and can be incredibly costly to repair or replace if it's not in good condition.
Therefore, getting a plumbing inspection during a home purchase can save you from headaches in the future. In this blog, we will explore the reasons why getting a plumbing inspection when buying a new home is necessary.
A plumbing inspection and a home inspection differ in their focus and scope. While a home inspection encompasses a thorough evaluation of the overall structure, foundation, electrical, and HVAC systems, a plumbing inspection concentrates solely on the plumbing systems of a property. Home plumbing inspections assess the condition of plumbing pipes and drainage systems for clogs, leaking pipes, and corrosion, and are performed by professional plumbing inspectors.
Additionally, this inspection process ensures that water flow and pressure functions correctly and examines fixtures such as sinks, toilets, and showers for proper functioning. A plumbing inspection is critical as it can reveal any hidden defects that could lead to water damage, mold, and costly repairs. Therefore, it is essential to get a plumbing inspection done by a qualified plumber before buying, selling, or even maintaining a property.
First and foremost, a plumbing inspection can help you identify any potential problems with the plumbing system as prospective buyers, before you buy the house. These problems can include leaks, clogs, pipe corrosion, and other issues that could lead to significant damage or even be hazardous to your health. Leaks can result in water damage, which can lead to mold growth. Inhaling mold spores can cause respiratory issues, particularly if you have allergies or asthma. Therefore, it's essential to catch these problems early so that they can be remedied before they become major concerns.
Another reason why a plumbing inspection is crucial is that it can save you a lot of money. If there are issues with the plumbing system, you can use that information to leverage a lower asking price for the house. Alternatively, you may even be able to negotiate repair work or replacements into the purchase agreement. Still, it is impossible to identify the problems without an inspection. Plumbing repairs can be quite expensive, especially if you need to replace pipes and fixtures. Some of these repairs can run into the thousands of dollars. It's better to find out about these issues before you buy the house so that you can make informed decisions about whether to proceed with the purchase or not.
A full plumbing inspection can provide you with information about the quality of the plumbing system. When you have a professional plumber inspect the system, you gain insight into the types of pipes used for water lines and drain lines, their age, and whether they are in good condition. If the house you're considering purchasing has old or corroding pipes, you may be in for a lot of plumbing issues in the future. Not to mention, they may all have to be replaced if they are in extraordinarily poor condition, which can be very costly. Knowing the quality and condition of the plumbing system can help you with long-term planning and budgeting for future repairs.
Another critical factor to consider is that many plumbing problems are invisible to the naked eye. For example, there may be hidden water leaks or clogs that you won't find if you're not specifically looking for them. A plumbing inspection can identify these hidden problems with the help of advanced technology, such as cameras. These cameras can be fed into the pipes to identify any issues that may not be apparent otherwise. This technology can save homeowners a lot of time and money in the long run since it can identify any problems before they become major issues, and even more importantly, before they become hazardous.
Professional plumbing inspections by a plumbing inspector are a comprehensive evaluation of a property's plumbing system. It includes a visual inspection of all plumbing components as well as thorough diagnostic testing. It is important for homeowners to conduct plumbing inspections to detect issues prior to buying a home, so that plumbing problems can be addressed before they turn into costly repairs. Here are the key components of a thorough home plumbing inspection checklist:
Pipes - Inspecting the pipes for any leaks, corrosion, damage, or blockage. Checking for lead pipes and other hazardous materials that need to be replaced.
Fixtures - Examining the faucets, showerheads, and toilets to assess their functionality and make recommendations for repairs or upgrades.
Water meter - Verifying that the water meter is working properly.
Water supply - Verifying the water pressure, water temperature and flow in each faucet, checking the shut-off valves, and identifying any water waste.
Water heater - Inspecting the tank or tankless water heater system for proper operation, looking for leaks, identifying the water heater's age, and checking the thermostat, pressure relief valve, and burner.
Drains - Examining all the drains, including the kitchen and bathroom sink, shower drains, and bathtubs for clogs or slow draining.
Sump pump - Assessing the functionality of the sump pump and making sure it is properly installed, is free of debris, and has adequate float switches.
Sewer lines - Camera inspection of the main sewer line for any signs of blockages, cracks, tree roots, or corrosion. Verifying the sewer line is properly connected to the municipal sewer system or septic system.
Septic tank - Inspecting the septic tank installed is functioning properly and pinpointing any signs of damage within the sewage system.
Moisture levels - Searching for any evidence of moisture damage and checking the level of humidity to identify leaks.
Ventilation - Identifying the presence of proper plumbing ventilation and mold growth.
Gas pipes - Checking the gas pipes and connections for any leakage or damage.
Water source - Looking at the water source to ensure it meets relevant health codes and standards, checking for discolored water and contaminants.
Trust a professional plumber to perform plumbing inspections. With the help of a licensed plumber who can fully inspect the system before making this major purchase, homeowners can be confident that their plumbing system is safe, efficient, and functional.
We highly recommend getting a plumbing inspection when purchasing a new home. Not only can it help you avoid future issues that may cost you thousands of dollars, but it can also give you peace of mind knowing that the house you're purchasing is in good condition.
At Jarboe's Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, our experienced plumbers can provide a thorough inspection of your potential home's plumbing system. We utilize the latest technology to ensure that we can identify any issues that may be hidden from plain sight, and aim to make plumbing inspection cost worthwhile when you purchase a new home. Contact us today to schedule a professional plumbing inspection, and let us help you make an informed decision about your home purchase.