Buying a Home? A Plumbing Inspection Can Ensure No Issues

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Whether you’re buying your first home or you’re a real estate investment expert, there are several things you should do to prevent potentially expensive surprises. If a plumbing inspection isn’t on your to-do list, it should be – plumbing issues can create serious issues for homeowners and renters alike, so it’s best to address them before the sale is complete. 

The Importance of Consulting a Professional

No matter how much experience you might have with the home buying process, and even if the plumbing seems to function as it should with no noticeable problems, it’s always a good idea to invest in a plumbing inspection before you buy. Contacting a professional to carefully inspect everything from the water heater to the sewer lines can save you plenty of time, trouble, and money later down the line. Plumbing problems can be extremely time-consuming and expensive to repair, so ensuring that these issues are addressed prior to the sale is critical. 

Sewer Line Inspection

Sewer camera inspections are always a good investment when buying a new home because they can reveal problems that may not be evident otherwise. For example, if there are large trees on or near the property, it’s important to ensure that those tree roots are not impeding the sewer lines. A camera inspection is the only real way to tell whether tree roots have breached your sewer lines. This way, if tree roots are present, you can get an estimate for repair prior to closing and save yourself a great deal of money. 

Checking the Water Meter 

A professional plumber will also check for leaks by closing all the taps in and around the house, then looking at the water meter. If the water meter is still showing usage despite the taps being closed, this is a surefire sign that there is a leak somewhere on the property between the meter and your home. Tracking down the leak will be an important step; not only does the leak need to be fixed, but so does any damage that the presence of water may have caused. 

Water Flow and Pressure

Another important part of a plumbing inspection prior to buying a home involves checking water flow and pressure. This usually includes opening the faucets and checking for adequate pressure, then ensuring that water flows through the drain as intended rather than backing up. Water flow and pressure testing is also performed on toilets in the home; it ensures that all the water in the toilet flushes down the drain and none is left over. If any issues are present, these should be repaired and resolved prior to your purchase. 

If the home you are buying has a septic system, it’s important for a professional plumber to ensure that the entire system is fully functional, as well. This may not apply to every home, but if it applies to yours, this is one of the most important inspections you can schedule. Problems with septic systems can be quite costly, so fixing them before you buy is ideal.