Purchasing a new home is a thrilling adventure, but it also comes with its fair share of doubt. If you’re buying a pre-owned property, it’s crucial that you know exactly what you’re getting into when it comes to plumbing repairs. Unfortunately, a handful of pre-closing home inspections do not include a complete examination of the plumbing system. Buyers need to be fully aware of this and think about hiring a local licensed Long Beach Plumber to inspect all parts of the plumbing systems.
However, If You’re Walking Through A Property and Want To Do A Little DIY Plumbing Inspection, think about the following checklist:
- Turn on the faucets to check for leaks.
- Flush the toilets and check for clogs.
- Listen for toilets that run.
- Turn on the garbage disposal to make sure it works.
- Check for loose faucets, shower heads, and other taps.
- Pay close attention to how plumbing smells. Does anything smell like rotten eggs?
- Look for water stains on walls and ceilings for possible hidden leaks.
- Test the sump pump, if one is installed.
- Inspect basements for puddling and other signs of water.
- Look for mold.
- Check for wobbly toilets.
- Go outside and test the outdoor spigots. Make sure there aren’t any leaks.
- Look under kitchen and bathroom sinks for water damage.
- Run the water and watch for any drips under the sink.
These are seamless things that any buyer can test for when viewing a home. But, if you are pretty serious about making an offer on the home, you need a thorough inspection.
A Professional Plumbing Inspection
Hiring a local Long Beach Plumber to inspect the home’s plumbing gives you an opportunity to buy with confidence. You know that you aren’t going to be sidelined by severe plumbing problems before the ink is dry on the closing papers.
Professional plumbing inspections for new homebuyers should include the following:
- Sewer line inspection service: This service involves using a sewer camera to look for any abnormalities in the sewer line that might lead to failure. Some of the problems include cracks, tree root intrusion, bellied pipes, brittle pipes, and large blockages.
- Water main line: Sewer lines are not the only exterior pipes that cause problems. If the water main line is corroded or otherwise damaged, you’ll end up with leaks and a huge water bill. These problems must be worked on and fixed.
- Slab leak detection: Some leaks are not visible, and these leaks generally tend to be a bit worse. These are the leaks that affect the structural foundation of your home and lead to thousands of dollars in plumbing repairs. Hiring a plumber to perform electronic leak detection for hidden leaks is a must.
After the Inspection
Once the inspection is completed, the local Long Beach Plumber should review the cost with you, to make repairs or replacements and provide you with a list of the problems. New homebuyers can give this specific list to their Realtor to negotiate for repairs or money to make repairs after the home is purchased.