Purchasing a new home is a big investment. You always want to do your due diligence to ensure that you’re fully aware of the state of the home you’re purchasing and what it may require in the near future to stay functional and safe. This article will explore what a pre-purchase plumbing inspection is and why you need one.
What Is a Plumbing Inspection?
A plumbing inspection involves one of our licensed plumbers visiting the home you’re considering purchasing to conduct a thorough evaluation of the entire plumbing system. The main goals are to assess the system’s safety, functionality, and compliance with local building codes. Our plumber’s job is to identify any existing problems or potential issues that could arise in the future, so you can make a fully informed decision before finalizing your purchase.
Visual Inspection
The first step in a plumbing inspection is a thorough visual examination of all exposed plumbing components. This includes pipes, fixtures, appliances, and the main shut-off valve. Our licensed plumbers look for signs of leaks, visible damage, corrosion, or the use of improper piping materials.
They will test every plumbing fixture, such as faucets and toilets, to ensure they operate correctly and are free from leaks. The water heater is also carefully inspected to assess its condition, estimate its age, and identify any potential safety concerns. If the home has a sump pump, our plumber will examine it closely and provide an estimate of its expected remaining lifespan.
Drain Testing
A crucial part of any home’s plumbing system is its drainage network. Our plumber will inspect all drain lines and the main sewer line to identify potential clogs, slow drainage, or other problems. For older homes, a video camera inspection of the sewer line is especially valuable. This allows us to assess the pipe’s condition in detail and spot issues such as tree root intrusion, sagging sections (known as bellies), or collapsed pipe areas.
Checking for Leaks
Another essential step in any plumbing inspection is checking for hidden leaks. Our plumber will take a reading from the water meter, then monitor it while all fixtures in the home are turned off. If the meter continues to move, it could indicate a hidden leak somewhere in the system.
We’ll also examine all shut-off valves for signs of dripping or corrosion. In addition, we’ll test the water pressure entering the home. Safe residential water pressure should fall between 40 and 80 PSI. Pressure that’s too high can damage pipes and fixtures over time, while low pressure may point to an underlying issue that needs attention.
Water Quality Evaluation
Many homeowners also choose to include water quality testing during a plumbing inspection. This testing can identify potential contaminants in the home’s water supply, such as lead, bacteria, or other harmful substances. It also reveals the water’s hardness level, which can help determine whether you need to purchase a water softener if there is not already one in place. Water testing is especially important for homes with private wells or older plumbing, where the risk of contamination or pipe corrosion is higher.
Code Compliance
An essential part of our plumbing inspection is ensuring that the system complies with current building codes. Older homes often have outdated plumbing components or installations that no longer meet modern safety and performance standards.
Our plumbers will check for proper backflow prevention, adequate venting, correct use of materials, and insulation on exposed piping. We’ll also look for any other issues that could present safety concerns or complications during resale.
Inspection Timeframe and Final Report
Most plumbing inspections take between one and two hours to complete, depending on the size and condition of the home. While you’re welcome to meet our licensed plumber on-site, many homeowners choose not to attend.
After the inspection, you’ll receive a detailed report outlining any current or potential issues with the plumbing system. This report can be a valuable tool during negotiations on the final price.
Why Is a Plumbing Inspection Important?
When purchasing a new home, several costs should be considered, including radon testing and electrical inspections. You might wonder whether a plumbing inspection is really necessary. The truth is that a plumbing inspection is essential for any home you are thinking about purchasing. It can uncover hidden issues and give you confidence before you make a significant investment.
Learn About Safety Issues
A crucial reason to have a plumbing inspection is to identify any potential safety hazards in the home. For example, lead water supply lines can pose serious health risks. Discovering such problems before moving in can save you from costly and urgent plumbing repairs later.
Strengthen Your Negotiating Power
A plumbing inspection conducted by a licensed professional gives you valuable leverage in negotiating the purchase of a home. Whether you aim to lower the purchase price due to plumbing issues or request a repair credit, having a detailed inspection report can make all the difference.
Often, sellers may be unaware of underlying plumbing problems. Providing documented proof encourages them to agree to repair necessary issues before closing or offer financial credits that help cover the cost. This way, you can avoid unexpected out-of-pocket expenses after moving in.
Prevent Financing Issues
Most homebuyers use a mortgage to finance their purchase, and many mortgage programs require that the home meet all current building code standards, including those related to plumbing. A thorough plumbing inspection can uncover any code compliance issues before you finalize the purchase.
Discovering plumbing problems during the lender’s inspection can cause frustrating delays, as repairs and follow-up inspections are often required before financing can move forward. Addressing these concerns upfront can keep your homebuying process on track.
Prevent Water Damage Problems
A key benefit of a plumbing inspection is uncovering hidden leaks that could cause serious damage to the house you are considering purchasing over time. Water leaks can weaken building materials and lead to mold and mildew growth. Both mold and mildew pose health risks and can cause an expensive mess to clean up. By identifying these issues early through a plumbing inspection, you can address them promptly before you move in.
Plan for Future Upgrades
A plumbing inspection before purchasing a home can highlight areas where improvements or upgrades might be beneficial. Many new homeowners choose to remodel kitchens and bathrooms to better suit their style and needs. Knowing the condition of existing plumbing systems helps you plan these projects. You can also ask our plumbers about opportunities to reduce water waste while making improvements. This insight gives you the chance to budget for updates in advance and make informed decisions about where to invest in your new home.
Expert Plumbing Inspection Service
BlueFlow All-Service Plumbing offers expert plumbing inspection services for the Gainesville, GA area. We can also help with all your residential plumbing needs including installations, replacements, and upgrades. Contact us today to make an appointment with one of our experienced plumbers.
Contact BlueFlow All-Service Plumbing today!
