Plumbing Inspections That Home Buyers Care About Most

When it comes to plumbing, home buyers have a lot of questions. What are the most important things to look for during a plumbing inspection? How can I be sure that the plumbing is in good condition? Are there any red flags that I should be aware of? As a real estate agent showing a home, you’re more likely to be asked these types of questions by potential home buyers.

Buyers want to be as informed as possible about the condition of a home’s plumbing system before committing. After all, plumbing problems can be costly and disruptive. That’s why we’ve put together this list of the most crucial plumbing inspections for home buyers.

Leaky Faucets

The first thing that home buyers care about when it comes to plumbing inspections is leaky faucets. No one wants to buy a home with a bunch of leaky faucets that need to be fixed. Plumbing repair experts note that even a small drip can waste up to 20 gallons of water each day. As a real estate agent, be prepared to point out any leaky faucets in a home that you are showing.

However, it’s a good idea to have all the leaky faucets repaired before putting a home on the market. This will show potential buyers that the current owner is serious about taking care of the home and that they won’t have to deal with any plumbing repairs immediately. A good plumber can inspect all of the faucets in a home and tell you if they are leaking.

Clogged Drains and Sewer Pipes

Potential home buyers also want to know that the home they are considering is free of any blocked drains and sewer pipes that could cause serious problems down the line. A good plumbing inspection will check for any blockages in the system and clear them out before they cause any damage. Sewer lines and drains can back up for a variety of reasons, such as:

  • Tree roots growing into the pipes
  • Grease or oil buildup
  • Debris buildup

These problems need to be fixed before the home can be sold. This can be a costly repair, so it is important to know about it upfront. Home buyers will be very grateful to have this information before they make an offer on a home.

Water Heater

If a home on sale has an old water heater, chances are the water heater needs to be replaced soon. It’s also likely to have efficiency issues, meaning it will be costing the new homeowner more to operate than a newer model. A home inspector can tell a buyer how old the water heater is and whether or not it needs to be replaced or even need repairs.

Sump Pump and Discharge Lines

Home buyers want to be sure that the sump pump and discharge lines are in good working order to prevent any basement flooding. The sump pump should be properly sized for the home, and the discharge pipe should be properly installed and routed away from the foundation. The sump pump pit should be clean and free of any debris. The float switch should be properly adjusted, and the sump pump itself should be regularly serviced and tested.

Toilets, Sinks, and Showers/Bathtubs

Home buyers are also keen on ensuring the toilets, sinks, and showers/bathtubs in their potential home are up to par. Nobody wants to move into a home with a wonky toilet or a shower that doesn’t work properly. Therefore, during a plumbing inspection, these are some of the things that will be checked:

  • Proper toilet flushing
  • Signs of sink leaks and pipes underneath
  • Cracks and leaks in showers and bathtubs
  • Proper attachment

Age and Condition of the Overall Plumbing System

The age and condition of the home’s plumbing system as a whole should also be inspected. This is important because, even if everything appears to be in working order, there could be hidden damage that could cause problems down the road. As a real estate agent, it’s important to be aware of the different types of inspections that home buyers are likely to request.

This way, you can be prepared to answer any questions they may have. By being knowledgeable about plumbing inspections, you can help your clients make informed decisions about the homes they are considering purchasing.

Latest Articles