Buying a new home or investment property is a big deal, and it comes with its fair share of financial risks. An important step that often gets overlooked in the buying process is organising a pre-purchase plumbing inspection. Many buyers believe that a basic building inspection will be enough to cover all the essential things in a home, but the plumbing system tends to be given only a glance.
The truth is, hidden plumbing problems can add up and end up costing you a fortune in repairs if they aren’t caught early. A professional plumbing inspection not only gives you peace of mind, but it also helps you make a more informed decision. Plus, it can even give you an edge when negotiating the house price with the seller.
What is a Pre-Purchase Plumbing Inspection?
A pre-purchase plumbing inspection is a detailed look at the plumbing system you’re thinking about buying. This inspection is done by a licensed professional plumber who has experience in spotting hidden issues that could cost you more money after the sale goes through.
Unlike building inspections, which often skim over the home’s plumbing, a plumbing inspection focuses on the most crucial (and most expensive to fix) systems in your home.
What does a plumbing inspection cover?
CCTV Drain camera inspections
The plumber will inspect the property’s sewer and stormwater lines (if they can get access) to look for blockages, cracks or broken pipes that might lead to underground repairs.
Water Supply Testing
Hidden leaks in underground pipes or behind the walls can be hard to spot for the average person. That’s why most plumbers will pressure check the property’s water supply to look for leaks before they grow into bigger (more expensive) issues.
Moisture and Flood Testing
Over time, faulty shower floors can cause damage. Plumbers will conduct moisture and flood tests to ensure the bathroom is water-tight.
Taps, Toilets, Gas Lines & Hot Water Systems
Professional plumbers will check all fixtures, fittings and gas lines to confirm they are in good working order and showing no signs of breaking any time soon.
Thermal Imaging Testing
Some plumbers will use thermal imaging testing to look for hidden plumbing problems that are otherwise tough to detect. They use the testing to pinpoint temperature variations within the property that may be a sign of hidden leaks or water damage.
Pool Tests
If your future property has a pool, some plumbers can also check the pool’s plumbing for leaks and make sure everything is working as it should be.
Can't I Inspect Plumbing Myself?
While you can take a look at the property yourself, even if you’re a well-seasoned renovator, there’s just no way to match the expertise of a qualified plumber who has all the tools and years of experience. Plumbing issues are quite often hidden beneath your floors, in the walls or even under your garden. Without the proper inspection gear, you’re only scraping the surface and making a guess.
Trying to inspect plumbing without the right knowledge or tools just isn’t as effective; it could mean you might miss a serious issue that could affect your home’s safety or value.
What Are The Benefits of a Plumbing Inspection?
- It could save you thousands of dollars: Replacing a hot water system, clearing a blocked drain or fixing a leak underground can add up pretty quickly. A plumbing inspection can catch these problems before you buy, giving you a chance to adjust your budget, have a chat with the seller, or even decide to look for a different property.
- Informed decision making: Knowing the actual condition of a home’s plumbing helps you avoid making an emotional decision. You’ll have a clear picture of whether the property is ready to move into after you purchase, or needs a bit of time to get it repaired.
- Negotiating power: If your plumber finds any significant issues, you can use this information to ask the seller to fix the problems before you purchase the property, ask the real estate agent for a price reduction, or wait on signing the contract until you feel good about the situation.
- Peace of mind: Even if everything works out fine in the end, getting a thumbs up from a plumber reassures you that you’re making a wise investment.
Getting a pre-purchase plumbing inspection is one of the smartest moves you can make to avoid spending your hard-earned money on a money pit. Plumbing problems aren’t just a hassle, they can cause serious structural damage, lead to your house being covered in mould, and result in expensive repairs.
Before you commit to buying, it’s important to know exactly why you’re getting yourself into it. A thorough inspection by a professional plumber could save you a fortune and even give you leverage to ask for a cheaper selling price. And even if everything is fine, you’ve now got peace of mind, which is priceless.
Make the wise choice, book a pre-purchase plumbing inspection today.
Local Leak Specialist Plumbers
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Welcome to Leak Specialist, your trusted local plumbing experts servicing Agnes Waters. We are dedicated to providing top-quality plumbing solutions with a focus on customer satisfaction and exceptional workmanship.
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