It is a seller’s market these days, but, as a seller, you may be worried about potential plumbing issues that a home inspector could find. We understand that selling a house is a difficult process so we’ve put together this checklist of easy plumbing repairs you can make now before a home inspector comes to examine your home’s plumbing.
Why do I need a home inspection?
Purchasing a home is one of the biggest investments that a buyer will make. A thorough home inspection gives a buyer details about a home’s structure, foundation, electrical, plumbing and more. A home inspector checks the areas of a home beyond what a buyer could see on the surface and allows a buyer with a peace of mind in knowing that the investment they are making is sound. It is important that a home inspection has a positive result as it will detail whether or not a new buyer will have to spend extra money fixing costly issues.
A plumbing inspection can be just what you need to secure a sale. This summer, Warrior Plumbing and Heating is offering a plumbing home inspection special. Through August 31st, we are offering a 1-2 bathroom home inspection for the low price of $375 and a 2-4 bathroom home inspection for the low price of $475.
During an inspection, a licensed Warrior plumber will examine your home’s plumbing system to check for any leaks, drainage problems, corrosion, cracks, clogs or other issues before you list it this summer. This special includes a sewer camera inspection up to 60 ft, a sump pump inspection without radon, and a water heater inspection. Once our plumbers have completed their inspection, we will provide you with a summary of our findings and discuss possible recommendations to maintain your home’s plumbing system.
What plumbing repairs should I make?
Undetected Leaks
One of the top to-dos before scheduling a home inspection is to check your home for any plumbing leaks. Leaks can go undetected for long periods of time because most homeowners are unaware of or ignore small leaks until they lead to bigger problems. Leaks can cause serious damage to a home overtime and can lead to health concerns with the possible growth of mold and mildew. Some home inspectors use thermal imaging to discover hidden leaks so any leaks are best to be resolved before a home inspection takes place.
Dripping Faucets and Leaking Toilets
Home inspectors inspect all interior water supply and distribution systems which includes any dripping faucets and leaking toilets. These issues are usually a very easy fix and can be quickly resolved before a home inspection takes place.
Clogged and Blocked Drains
Clogged and blocked drains are plumbing issues that can lead to a negative result on a home inspection. Although these issues can have negative consequences on a home’s plumbing system, they are often an easy fix. Hiring a licensed plumber to assess and correct the problem is highly recommended.
Replace Old Water Heater
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the water heater is the second largest (heating/air conditioning is the first) expense in a home. Faulty parts, sediment build up, or a bad winter storm can wreak havoc on a home’s water heater. Overtime, these aspects cause a water heater to utilize more energy and lose efficiency over time. While a home’s water heater should be flushed out regularly to avoid build up and prevent damage, a potential buyer would be more drawn to a home where an older water heater has been replaced and upgraded. The efficiency of home appliances is constantly improving and should be replaced with a newer “Energy Star” rating model every 10 years.
Exterior Plumbing Issues
In addition to the plumbing inside the house, a home inspector will check the plumbing on the outside of the property. This includes any pipes where water is transported from the city to the home and any sewage removal pipes. In addition, a home inspector will check the home’s water meter to ensure that it is working properly. A homeowner may be unaware of exterior plumbing issues that lead to spending too much on a water bill each month.
Need help from a licensed Baltimore area professional plumber? Contact Warrior Plumbing and Heating
At the end of the day, preventative maintenance is always better than needing to make repairs. As a seller, there are steps you can make now to avoid the panic before a home inspector comes to examine your home’s plumbing. Contact us here or call us at 443-967-3736 to schedule a plumbing inspection and take advantage of our summer special today.