Buying a new home is one of the best things you will ever do with your money. Owning your own home can influence your finances and future in ways that no other investment can, says The Coffey Group Management. Yet, at the same time, buying a new home is one of the riskiest things you will ever do.
That’s because most homebuyers do not know a lot about houses. They cannot verify the seller’s claims about their home. Also, most buyers are super-focused on the cosmetic details of the home rather than its major systems and structural aspects.
This makes such buyers easier to fool; a seller can convince them to buy a home for way more than it is worth. Even worse, they may end up buying a nice-looking home that is defective in many ways.
If this happens, that buyer will spend thousands of dollars fixing problems in their new home that they should have been aware of before buying the house. One of the areas of a home where this sort of thing happens a lot is the plumbing system.
Why plumbing matters when buying a home
Plumbing systems are hidden
Most of a home’s plumbing systems are not readily accessible for inspection, and even when you hire a home inspector, they will only inspect those parts of the plumbing that are accessible.
Plumbing problems don’t always show up
It is possible for the plumbing system to have major issues, and the plumbing fixtures will still work normally. Just because the water pipes are damaged, it doesn’t mean the home won’t have water.
Plumbing problems have a far-flung impact
Plumbing issues are the most destructive problem you can have in a home. Neglected or undetected plumbing issues are at the bottom of the structural issues in many homes.
Plumbing problems affect your health
Plumbing systems are all about water and wastewater. No other system in the home has the power to subject the occupants to the risk of illness like the plumbing.
Plumbing problems are costly
The most difficult plumbing problems to detect are also the costliest to fix. For instance, replacing the main sewer line or re-piping the house could cost you tens of thousands of dollars.
Plumbing checks to do when buying a new home
When buying a new home, what are the plumbing fixtures to pay attention to?
The water pipes
Water pipes determine if your home will have water. They also influence the quality of your water. Along with problems like leaks, corrosion, and mineral deposits, you want to ensure the pipes don’t contain hazardous materials.
The drainage pipes
Drainpipes transport used-up water from the plumbing fixtures and appliances in the home. Efficient drainage systems help keep your home sanitary. They also help you avoid flooding. Aged or damaged drainpipes are costly to repair.
The main sewer line
All the drainpipes in your home empty into the sewer line. The main sewer line transports wastewater from your home into the city’s sewer lines. The sewer line is always underground. If it is damaged, your home will become unlivable.
The plumbing pipe materials
The type of materials used in a home’s plumbing matters. Pipe material affects water quality and can even pose a health risk. Some pipe materials are prone to damage, and they can leave you with unexpected repair costs.
Check the water pressure
Low water pressure can be an indication of major problems with the home’s water pipes. If the pipes are leaking or have a lot of sedimentation, water pressure will be low. Low water pressure can make daily tasks difficult.
The water heater
Hot water is essential for everyday things like bathing, laundry, and dishwashing. A malfunctioning water heater can put your family’s life at risk, especially in winter. Make sure your new home has access to sufficient hot water.
Check water quality
Before buying a new home, you want to have the water supply tested for the presence of lead and other contaminants. Failing to do this may leave you with problems that are unsolvable or cost a lot of money to solve.
The water softener
A functioning water softener is absolutely essential if the water supply in the area is hard. Without a water softener that is working, you will have several damaged appliances and problems with simple things like laundry and dishwashing.
Given that, as we already stated, most people don’t have the time, skills, and tools to do these checks, how should you go about checking the plumbing system of a new house before buying it? The only way is to hire a professional plumber to do the checks.
Remember that a home inspection does not cover most of the checks discussed above. This means that even with a proper home inspection, it is still possible to buy a home with major plumbing issues. But doing a comprehensive plumbing fixture inspection will fix that.