How to Avoid Buying a House with Plumbing Issues?
September 30th, 2022 by Administrator
When you choose to buy a pre-owned home in LA or anywhere, performing due diligence becomes necessary because you never know what problems the house might already have for a long time. One of the most unpleasant surprises is when you buy a home but later find that its plumbing is really bad. Major plumbing issues could be very expensive that you might not want to pay for especially at the time when mortgage payments will be added to your monthly expenses. That’s why we have come up with this guide that will help you avoid buying a home with plumbing problems when touring homes for sale.
Telltale Signs that a Home has Plumbing Issues
- Leaky toilets
When visiting a home to see if you like it or not, make sure to flush every toilet to ensure that they are working properly and check the tank’s bottom for any leaks. Listen carefully to see if there is a sound like water is running continuously. If yes, it might mean that the chain or flapper needs to be replaced or the toilet may need an overhaul. You can also check around the toilet base for any moisture, discoloration of the caulk around the flange opening, or flooring.
- Ceiling Stains
When visiting a pre-owned home for sale, never forget to look up and check the ceiling for any stains. If stains are there, it indicates plumbing issues in the attic or second floor. Besides, water stains on ceilings can also develop due to a leaky roof.
- Outdated Water Heaters
Ask the seller or real estate broker how old the water heater system is. If they have no answer, chances are they have never replaced it. A water heater has an average lifespan of 7 to 10 years and if the water heater is outdated, it might mean that you will have to replace it, which is not cheap.
- Water Draining Slowly
When touring a pre-owned house, turn on every faucet and showerhead. Let the water run for a few minutes and observe the speed of draining. Slow draining is a sign that the drainpipes and sewer lines are becoming clogged with buildup or there is some blockage within the plumbing.
If you like the house but don’t feel comfortable due to slow drainage or any other plumbing issue you noticed, you can also call a local plumbing expert to do a plumbing inspection and give an idea of how much it would cost to fix the plumbing issues.
Alternatively, you can also choose to hire an experienced home inspection professional to get a report of the real condition of the pre-owned house. A home inspection professional will not only inspect plumbing issues, but also check the foundation, structural components, roof, HVAC, electrical systems, and more.
By knowing the real condition of a pre-owned house, you can better discuss with the real estate broker what can be done to cover the costs or adjust the sale price of that home before signing documents.