Buying a new home is an exciting and nerve-wracking time. You are making a huge commitment, and you want to ensure that the commitment pans out. There are many contingencies in place during the buying process to help you make the best decision for your needs and for your pocket book. One such contingency is your home inspection contingency.
During the inspection contingency period, you have the opportunity to inspect the home you are buying, along with all of the plumbing. This gives you a unique chance to understand the plumbing issues specific to your new home.
Main Sewer
Getting all of the details about your sewer can help you prevent clogs or backups, saving you money in the long run. Many homebuyers assume that if the toilets are working, the sewer lines are sound, but that isn’t always the case.
The best and most effective sewer inspection is done by video camera. We place a scope into your sewer and record your entire line, identifying potential problem areas along the way. This type of inspection can identify issues such as:
- Root intrusion
- Collapsed or broken pipes
- Nonconforming sewer lines (like party lines)
- Joint separations
- Erosion
Finding out about problems like these before purchasing a home can put you in a strong negotiating position and help make the home sale smoother and possibly more affordable.
Water heater
Your water heater is only supposed to last ten years. Buying a house with an old or past-warranty water heater may create problems like rusty water, leaks, and other issues. Be sure to get your home inspector or a licensed plumber to take a look at the water heater in your new home.
Understanding the age and state of this essential plumbing device will help you determine if the seller should replace it before selling the home to you, or if you should get compensation for its replacement as part of the purchase agreement.
Toilets
A leak at the base of your toilet may seem like no big deal, but over time it can damage and rot the subfloor and your finished floor. If there is a leak at the base of the toilet in your new home, you may want to get a more thorough inspection to determine the extent of the water damage.
Remember, any leaks in your new home, big or small, can cause damage over time.
DIY or “Mickey Mouse” Jobs
Not every homeowner has hired a professional to fix their plumbing. Some get creative and come up with workarounds for really pressing issues. Get a proper plumbing inspection to help you find and fix DIY plumbing projects.
There are many home inspection issues to watch out for as you seek your new home. None of these troublesome plumbing problems are necessarily deal-breakers, but they are important for you to be aware of and knowledge of these issues may give you a better position from which to negotiate the rest of your home purchase.
Are you buying a new home? Contact us today to get your video sewer inspection scheduled!