Homebuyers should schedule a plumbing inspection before purchasing a home. Often, the lender requires a home inspection prior to the closing to help protect their investment.
Nonetheless, these home inspections can sometimes fall short when it comes to the plumbing system. Since severe plumbing repairs can be cost a pretty penny, our Plumbers In Long Beach, CA suggest you protect your interests by hiring a licensed Long Beach Plumber to perform a thorough inspection of the plumbing system. Uncovering possible plumbing problems priors to closing could save you thousands of dollars in repair costs in the near future.
Septic Tank System
A majority of Long Beach Plumbers will tell you that problems in a home’s sewage system can lead to expensive repairs at times, especially when septic tanks are involved. It would be very useful to understand where the tank and all applicable sewage lines are located. Try and ask when the last cleaning and inspection happened. Furthermore, ask for records to back it up. Typically, your local Long Beach Plumber will look for seepage or standing water around the drain.
Furthermore, they can also look for leach field or foul-smelling odors that could help determine a septic problem. Since septic repairs and replacement are costly, it is crucial that you receive a complete analysis of its condition before closing.
Water Supply
Municipal water supply meters should be tested for accuracy and working condition. If the home is on a private well, it is very crucial to have your local Long Beach Plumber inspect and figure out the condition of its water pump.
Moreover, the Long Beach Plumber should look for related equipment such as pressure tanks and water softeners. In addition, it would be wise to have the well water tested to determine its quality and to ensure it is safe for human consumption before you are locked into the purchase.
Water Supply Lines
Your local Long Beach Plumber should check water pressures throughout the home. In addition, they should check the condition of all water supply shut-offs, including the main to verify working condition. A faulty shut off valve could allow hundreds of gallons of water to damage your home in the event of a plumbing problem.
Your plumber should also inspect water supply lines and figure out their composition. Lead and galvanized plumbing, although acceptable in years past, have been linked to serious health problems and should be replaced.
Plumbing Fixtures
Usually, the plumbing inspection should include testing of fixtures — sinks, faucets, hose bibs and toilets — to verify working condition. A dripping faucet or running toilet will unfortunately waste precious freshwater and increase your utility bills.
Even a small leak under your sink can ruin cabinetry, flooring and invite mold and mildew growth, which as a result, can lead to severe health problems.
Water Heater
Ask you local Long Beach Plumber to figure out the size, age and working condition of the water heater. Figuring out the size of the water heater is pivotal to aid in ensuring it will supply your family with enough hot water, especially during the winter months when water heaters fail more routinely.
In addition, since most water heaters begin to under perform and lose energy efficiency after about ten years, it would be good to know before you move into or close on your new home if it needs replacing.