A plumbing inspection can help protect a homebuyer from making a bad investment. If you’re a first time homebuyer, knowing when to get a plumbing inspection can help you make a smart buying decision and can also help you purchase a home that will be right for you.
You See Evidence of Leaks
One of the most obvious times to get a plumbing inspection is when you see evidence of leaks in the home. Leaks can take many forms. Common evidence of leaks include:
- Corrosion on the pipes: Corrosion on the pipes can be a sign of frequent, long-term exposure to water.
- Water damage in the vicinity of pipes: Water damage under the sink, behind the toilet and in other plumbed areas of the house could be a sign that the pipes need to be repaired.
- Mold and mildew in areas around the pipes: Look for mold and mildew in places under the sink, around the toilet and in other parts of the bathroom, basement and kitchen. Although mold could happen for other reasons, this could be a sign of a leak.
The Home is Plumbed With Galvanized Pipes
Galvanized pipes are made of steel covered in zinc. These pipes were commonly used in the middle part of the 20th century. Many galvanized pipes are now brittle, rusted and corroded. Making repairs to galvanized pipes can be difficult, and in some homes these pipes should be replaced. If the home you are thinking about buying has galvanized pipes, having them inspected by a plumber can help you decide whether or not the home will need to be completely replumbed.
You’re Concerned About Lead
The Safe Drinking Water Act of 1986 prohibited the use of lead in plumbing that provided water for human consumption, however, lead was a component that was used in pipes up until June 1986. Lead water piping can still be found in some homes, particularly at the point where the home’s plumbing connects to the public water supply. The presence of lead water lines will vary from one community to the next and one house to the next, and may depend on the age of the house.
Lead is a serious concern and can cause permanent physical damage, especially to young people. A plumber may be able to identify lead pipes if they are visible. It’s important to note a plumber can only identify lead pipes that are visible, and cannot vouch for presence of lead pipes in the walls or inaccessible parts of the house. If the plumber finds lead piping in the home, the best way to find out if lead is a problem in the drinking water is to have the water tested by a qualified laboratory.
You’re Concerned About the Sewer or Septic Tank
One slow drain is typically no concern for a home buyer, but many slow drains in the house could point to a potential sewer or septic tank clog. If the home you’re thinking about buying has multiple slow drains, have the sewers (or septic tank) inspected by a plumber to determine if this is because of a clog. Buying a place with a septic system can be a little daunting if you’ve never dealt with one before, but it is actually not too difficult to navigate.
When in Doubt, Ask Your Real Estate Agent
If you think the home you would like to buy is in need of plumbing repair, don’t worry! Your real estate agent can help you determine whether or not a re-negotiation of the price of the house is in order.
Contact I&C Mechanical, Inc Today
Do you have further questions about choosing a great plumber ? Don’t hesitate to contact I&C Mechanical, Inc today! Our expert plumbers are highly skilled at what they do. Here at I&C Mechanical, Inc, we fit the bill for high-quality, low-cost service
Write a Comment