Before you purchase clothing, you have to put it on or use a measuring tape to determine that it can fit you. You also examine the clothing to ensure it is in a suitable condition. Further, the same case happens whenever you purchase a vehicle. You test drive it and also hire a mechanic to inspect it. Why not do the same when you are buying a home? It shouldn’t be any different.
You should enlist the help of a plumber to inspect various parts of the plumbing system to ensure that they are in the right state or condition. You don’t want to experience a plumbing issue shortly after purchasing a new home. Jacksonville, FL, can be an excellent place to buy a new home and settle with your family. There are a lot of homes, both old and new ones, that can accommodate families of nearly any budget or size.
Unfortunately, some prospective homeowners underestimate the importance of plumbing inspection. Some even don’t give it a thought. Unfortunately, the plumbing issues that might arise after you have just signed that contract might be just worth paying a plumbing service for an inspection. Although plumbing inspections should be required, they are unfortunately not. However, as a prospective homeowner, ensure that you enlist the help of a plumber to unearth any issues before you sign the transfer deed.
Why Should You Conduct a Plumbing System Inspection Before Purchasing a Home?
As mentioned above, there are many reasons to inspect the plumbing system before buying a new home. The reasons include:
To Verify the Age of the Plumbing Pipes
Unless you purchase a new home constructed just the day, you must have a plumbing service to inspect the plumbing fixtures. You cannot tell the age of a plumbing system by just looking at it. Although the realtors can tell you how old the plumbing system is, some are dishonest, and you shouldn’t take their word for it. Just because you see some shiny new plumbing fixtures and faucets doesn’t mean that the entire plumbing system is up to the standard throughout the new home.
All plumbing fixtures, appliances, and pipes limit their useful life. Regardless of how durable and rugged the piping might be, they all eventually end. Hence, if you do not inspect the piping in your new home beforehand, you will never know the age of the plumbing and when you should plan for a replacement service. Worse, the plumbing system might collapse a few days after moving in, meaning that you will need plumbing service for a whole house to repipe.
To Check for the Integrity of the Pipes
The other main reason for hiring a plumbing service provider to inspect the pipes and other plumbing fixtures before purchasing a new home is to check the integrity of the underlying pipes. Using inspection cameras, the professional can determine if all the pipes within the plumbing system are appropriately joined and do not have a significant flaw.
Even in newly constructed homes, you must inspect the plumbing system to know the materials used, leaks, and other issues. This should be done before you sign the transfer deed or move in. This is because mishandled installations, earthquakes, and other problems might result in leakages even for the new pipes.
To Determine the Negotiating Value
The other reason one should hire a plumbing service professional to inspect the pipes and plumbing fixtures in the new home before purchasing it is to have all the information. It is essential to have all the information beforehand whenever you plan to negotiate the new house’s process with a real estate agent, realtor, or homeowner. This is particularly critical if the home is sold “as is.” You can have the realtor repair the plumbing before you sign the transfer deed or pay the cash.
Early Detection, Identification, and Fixing of Issues
If there is an issue with the plumbing system in your new home, detecting, identifying, and repairing them early is essential. It could save you lots of money, trouble, and time. The water line or drainage system leakages might result in several unpleasant issues. The problems might include mold growth, health complications, pest infestations, germ distribution, and even water loss.
The faster you locate and fix a plumbing issue, the more minor it will be, generally. It is preferable to locate and fix a plumbing issue before moving into a new home in Jacksonville, FL, rather than wait for several months after you have moved in only to discover them. This means that you might have to rearrange your belongings. Hence, a plumber inspects the plumbing system before moving into your new home.
What Does a Plumbing Inspection Include?
The best way to ensure that your home’s plumbing system is in top condition is to hire a plumbing service provider to inspect it and have the realtor perform the repairs before placing the down payment. The plumber will check the following:
Fixtures
Like the home inspector, the plumber will inspect all the faucets, toilets, sinks, showers, drainage systems, and water pressure. The plumber can tell what the issue is and recommend several solutions to fix it.
Valves and Supply Lines
The plumbing service provider might also check the water supply lines and meters to ensure they are working correctly and in good shape. Additionally, the plumber will also perform tests to ensure that there aren’t any hidden leakages within the plumbing system.
Water-Related Appliances
All the appliances that use water, like the water heaters, washing machines, refrigerators, and dishwashers, are also inspected by a plumbing service provider for leakages. If the new home doesn’t have these appliances, the professional will inspect the drains and hookups. The professional will also examine the water heater properly to ensure it is in a good state, there aren’t sediment accumulations, and the anode rod isn’t depleted. They will advise whether the unit can supply your family with sufficient heated water.
Inspecting the plumbing system before you purchase a new home is essential. As you can see from the above, there are many reasons why you shouldn’t sign the transfer deed before a plumbing service provider has inspected all the plumbing fixtures and appliances and has given the go-ahead. If you are planning to purchase a new home in Jacksonville, FL, don’t hesitate to contact us at Bert Norman’s Plumbing for a plumbing system and appliance inspection.