Look for Plumbing Problems When Buying a House
RealtyBiz writes “It is easy to overlook plumbing problems when the desire to invest in a rental property is strong. There are many plumbing flaws you will have no problem fixing, but others are pretty serious and can bring in huge financial difficulties. It is always a good idea to work with a plumbing company in order to inspect the property before buying it.” Here is where to look for plumbing problems when buying a house.
Look for Plumbing Problems When Buying A House
- Dripping Faucets – It may not seem like much, but, if your faucet dripped once every second every day, all day, it would only take four and a half hours to reach one gallon. Every day you would waste 5 gallons of water or 2,082 gallons per year. It is an easy fix: turn off the water under the sink and replace the wash in the valves. Once in awhile, you will come across an all-in-one unit that requires replacing the whole faucet. I just had that happen to me.
- Aging Water Heaters – It is not cheap to replace water heaters. They can cost thousands of dollars. Before you buy the home, be sure that the condition of the hot water tank is taken into account. Remember that water heaters usually last around ten years. Professionals will tell you details about how old heaters are based on serial and model numbers. However, experienced plumbers will also spot the kind of dampness, corrosion, and other signs of trouble on and around the tank that signal the water heater is close to its last years.
- Leaky Toilets – When toilets constantly run, there is a big possibility that flappers or chains have to be replaced. This is not typically a big problem, but in some cases, it is a sign that a much bigger problem is lurking. Leaks can also appear when toilets do not properly drain. Bottom of the tank leaks are much more common than you might think. Leaking toilets can lead to more serious problems. For instance, floor rot may be present, and while you might not see it immediately, it can be a costly and time-consuming repair.
- Leaky Pipes – While we see a lot of leaking pipes during the cold winter months, it’s also very common year-round! Most pipes will begin to leak near the joints, so keep an eye out for wet spots on the ground or ceiling. Once again, water damage to your home can be quite costly, so leaky pipes are a necessity to fix right away.
- Old Sewage Systems – As you evaluate the plumbing situation of a home, you need to fully understand the sewage system type that’s present in it. Professional plumbers can provide video inspections of sewage lines. Sewage should run to the county’s or city system’s main-line. We have found through inspection that the sewer line is not connected at all or tree roots have blocked the flow. When there is a septic system in the home, see where the location of its tank is. You have to check the area for seepage, unpleasant smells, and water, all warning signs of potential plumbing trouble.
- Sump Pump Failure – A prolonged period of heavy rain can cause your sump pump to fail. Protect your home and belongings with these sump pump tips.
It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of buying a new house. But overlooking potential plumbing issues can lead to costly repairs. Call a professional plumbing company for an evaluation of the property. This can provide you with information and peace of mind. That will allow you to make the right decision on whether to purchase the property.
Ask for FREE information about How to Sell Your House Fast.
Terra Firma Property Solutions, LLC is a professional, full-service real estate solutions firm.
We buy and sell properties throughout the greater Kansas City area. We specialize in buying distressed homes, then renovating and reselling them to home buyers and landlords. Terra Firma Property Solutions: excited to be part of the economic rejuvenation of Kansas City and its surrounding areas.
Call us today at (816) 866.0566
Photo by Jouni Rajala on Unsplash
