Purchasing a home is a major investment. Assessing important details can help you decide if you have found the perfect place. Juggling various factors, such as the location and price of the house, can cause you to overlook the importance of plumbing inspection before buying the house.
The condition of the plumbing system is a significant factor to consider before making an investment. You may find the house can perfect on the surface, only to find out upon moving in that the sewage water is backing up each time you use the bathroom. Getting stuck with this plumbing problem is not only frustrating but also costly. Hiring a plumber for home inspection helps assess the current plumbing condition, allowing you to bring up the problems with the realtor before making a purchase.
Being well-informed about the property is a smart move before putting your investment in a house. Do not hesitate to contact a 24-hour licensed plumber in Caledon to ensure that your plumbing pipes, drain, and sewer lines are in excellent working condition.
What Is Included in a Plumbing Inspection
Seek a reliable plumbing inspection service for a home purchase if you want to ensure that the household plumbing system works properly. Due to lack of knowledge and inexperience, many homeowners fail to detect looming or serious issues. Having a plumbing contractor inspect the pipes, drains, fixtures, and septic tank is more cost-effective than being faced with extensive repairs in the future. You can use the repair estimate to negotiate with the seller for a discount to pay for the cost of the repairs.
During the home plumbing inspection, the plumber will ensure that everything is safely and legally installed by a professional.
- Main Sewer Line Inspection
A clogged sewer line can be caused by many reasons—some of which are serious while others not so much. In many cases, the previous homeowners are not aware of the problem. If the clog is serious, the emergency plumber may recommend a partial or full replacement. A full sewer inspection includes a thorough assessment of the main sewer line to ensure that everything is running smoothly and address early signs of problems to prevent costly repairs down the road.
- Water Heater
An old or failing water heater may warrant a replacement, which can be expensive. The plumber will need to inspect for signs of leaks, water damage, and corrosion, as it can have a serious impact on the efficiency of the water heater. A typical water heater can last around 10 to 12 years from gas units and 12 to 15 years out of electricity. Also, factors, such as water quality, frequency of use, and maintenance can affect the life expectancy of water heaters.
Checking all these factors during the inspection can ensure that the heater is running efficiently and meet all the needs of your family.
- Drain Issues
A clogged drain line can be a frustrating issue for homeowners. The clog can develop over time without you being aware of the problem. Although there are consumer products that help remove the clog from your drain pipes, drain inspection is a task best left to professionals to prevent further damage to the pipes.
Serious drain problems can be potentially related to sewer problems caused by shifting ground or poorly-conceived installation. Other possible reasons may relate to the material of the plumbing pipes used (clay tile or old cast iron), debris in the line, or tree roots that have found their way into the sewer pipes.
- Pipe Leaks
Leaky pipes are a common plumbing concern in households. If not fixed immediately, this problem can lead to other major plumbing problems, including mould and mildew growth, water damage, and pipe corrosion, which may require replacement. If you are purchasing an old house, make sure the plumber inspects for lead pipes since these can be harmful to the health. A thorough pipe inspection helps ensure you have no pipe issues before closing the deal on the home.
- Toilet
Leaks at the base of the toilet should be investigated as soon as possible. Some of the most common signs of toilet leaks are discolouration around the flooring and if the toilet seems to not be securely in place. These signs mean there is potential major floor damage underneath. When toilet leaks are not immediately fixed, it can lead to costly repairs.
- Septic Tank Inspection
Using a camera to inspect the pipes helps reveal problems and repairs needed before moving in. This allows the plumber to determine if there is a septic tank installed on your property or if the wastewater flows to the municipal sewer system.
If you have a septic tank, the plumber will perform an inspection to detect any problems, its location, what pipes lead to it, and the last time it was serviced. A damaged septic tank is a major plumbing issue that requires costly repairs. However, it can be avoided by ensuring that it is in good working condition.
- Water Quality Inspection
Water quality is also another important factor to look into before buying a house. The water should be clean and safe to use and drink. However, if the water is discoloured, it could be caused by several reasons. It could be due to a temporary flow of dirty water or old, corroded pipes that require replacement. Hiring an experienced professional can help determine the cause for water discolouration.
What If You Do Not Get a Plumbing Inspection
Purchasing a house without getting a plumbing inspection in Toronto can have potentially unfavourable effects. Here are several problems that you might experience in the future.
- Costly plumbing problems will be discovered too late.
- The underground plumbing system might have issues that you are not aware of.
- Undetected problems in pipes can have costly consequences.
- You may experience consistent plumbing issues.
If a potential home has several plumbing problems, it does not necessarily mean you should not purchase it. When buying a home, it is crucial to understand what you are getting into to make an informed decision. Having all the essential details about the current condition of the plumbing system can help you negotiate well during the home buying process.
Call the Plumber Authority Inc. today at 647-992-PIPE (7473) for 24/7 plumbing services in Caledon.