Buying a home can be a daunting task. Not only will you need to get all your finances in order to secure the funds you need, but you will also want to have confidence that you are buying a sound investment. Many homebuyers take care to see that the building is structurally sound, but there could be potentially costly problems lurking beneath the surface in the form of plumbing issues. So before you sign on the dotted line, it is important to get a plumbing inspection.
Lender Requirements
Many lenders require a home inspection to be conducted prior to the closing of escrow. Even if your lender does not require this for your finance deal, it is still highly recommended. An inspection may cost you a couple of hundred dollars, but it will highlight if there are any structural issues with the property. Although this may not show any issues that could go wrong with the property, it can provide seller protection and help the buyer to avoid a huge mishap.
In addition to a home inspection, many lenders recommend that a plumbing inspection is also performed before buying the home. The plumbing system in a property is one of the most vital and largest systems, which means that any issues that develop can potentially be very costly. A thorough inspection can highlight any issues, which could compromise the system integrity.
Components of a Plumbing Inspection
A thorough plumbing inspection involves an inspection of the installations under the building slab including the water supply pipes and sewer lines. This can be checked with a camera inspection, where the technician can perform a visual assessment to see if there are any structural problems or accumulations of debris, which could cause a problem. The inspection will also include a visual assessment of the system above the floor. A pressure test is also likely to be performed, to check if the property is suffering from low water pressure. Low water pressure can indicate an undetected water leak or blockage and cause issues such with showers and water using appliances.
The Benefits of a Plumbing Inspection
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plumbing inspection can offer a number of benefits before you buy a home. It can identify a myriad of issues from corroded or damaged pipes, to slab leaks. Major plumbing issues cannot only prompt a huge repair bill, but can cause significant damage throughout the home.
Performing a plumbing inspection before you buy the home will provide an opportunity to have any major issues addressed before closing escrow. This means that you will still have the option to walk away from the property if a major issue is diagnosed. Alternatively, you will be in a strong position to renegotiate with the existing homeowner, so that the cost of the necessary repairs can be worked into the final sales price.
Getting a thorough inspection of your potential new home conducted before you close escrow is one of the most important things a homebuyer can do. This will allow you to have a clear picture of what you are getting into before you sign on the dotted line.
By Giovanni Longo President Flood Brothers Plumbing
Giovanni Longo is a 3rd generation master plumber who has been practicing his craft and trade in the greater Los Angeles area for well over a decade and a half. A plumbing and hydraulics-engineering innovator, Giovanni’s particular world-class expertise focuses on dealing with challenging sewer system designs as well as resolving complex commercial and residential draining issues. As a certified Flood Mitigation expert, he is also well versed in a wide variety of water damage and remediation solutions.
