A standard home inspector is hired to find indications that there may be problems with your potential home purchase. But because they don’t specialize in plumbing and aren’t required to thoroughly assess all aspects of a home. Since they are not licensed in plumbing, they often miss things that can potentially cost a new homeowner a lot. That’s why it can be smart to spend a little bit of extra money upfront for a plumbing inspection that is performed by a licensed professional. This, combined with a home inspection, can give you the peace of mind that the house you’re about to purchase is a sound investment—or not.
Here are several plumbing questions to look into that your home inspector will not, but your licensed plumbing professional should point out to you.
Inspectors Often Don’t Find Hidden Leaks…
Inspectors are not required to look for leaks in areas that are hidden. This includes:
- Under the foundation
- Inside walls
- Under floors
- Underground in the yard
And that’s just a few places!
Since inspectors are only required to observe certain items on a checklist and check off their observations, they can mark “NI” for “Not Inspected.” Since the water, sewer, and gas lines in North Texas are underground, the inspectors are not able to see them or assess if problems exist.
If you or the home inspector notice anything odd, consider getting a plumbing inspection to get to the root of the problem.
To Ensure Your Home’s Pipes Are Intact and Functional, Use Your Senses…
- Do you hear any drains or toilets making gurgling noises?
- Are the drains you can see connected and flowing?
- Do you smell a sewer smell in the home?
- Do you see the water meter moving when no water is being used in the home?
- Do you smell a rotten egg smell?
- Do you notice soft or warped flooring around toilets?
- Are any pipes discolored?
- Do you see rust or corrosion?
- Do you see water stains on the walls or ceilings?
- Did you feel any hot spots on the floor?
- Do you smell mold or musty smell?
- Are there any areas in the yard that are extra green?
If your home inspection indicates there may be a problem with the water lines or drain lines, call a plumber for a plumbing inspection before buying the home to minimize costly pipe repairs that may need to be done. An inspection by a plumber before your purchase could save you a large headache in discovering hidden problems and prevent your dream home from becoming a nightmare.
Things a Plumber Can Inspect That a Home Inspector Typically Won’t
Issues with Water and Sewer Lines
Skipping a sewer line inspection can result in major repairs down the line. Your plumbing inspection should include both:
- A hydrostatic test of the water and sewer lines, and
- A sewer camera inspection to ensure the home’s plumbing lines are not:
- Cracked
- Shifted out of place
- Damaged by tree roots
- Collapsed
- Leaking
Gas Leaks
A CW Service Pros technician can pressure-test the gas system to ensure there are no hidden signs of leaking. Your city may require this test before they will allow Atmos Energy® to turn on the gas supply. This tends to be true if a home has been vacant and the gas to it has been shut off or the gas was shut down due to the presence of a leak.
Buying a house is a huge investment. Click here to learn about the types of homeowners insurance policies in Texas and how they protect you against water damage and other issues.
For a Hot-Water-Heater Checkup, Ask…
The inspector to tell you the energy source and capacity of the unit and to check the water heater for signs of the following:
- Leaks on the unit
- Rust on the top of the unit
- Code changes that may be different from the date of the original installation date
For a more detailed inspection of the unit(s), call a licensed plumber for a plumbing inspection.
To Discover Appliance Problems, Ask…
The inspector to check multiple appliances in the home, including:
- Dishwashers
- Disposals
- Washers and dryers
- Ranges, cooktops, ovens
Though a plumber does not work on an appliance directly, if you would like any of these items replaced after you purchase your home, your local plumber can take care of that!
Hot Water Heater Problems
A licensed technician, like those at CW Service Pros, can let you know more than a home inspector when it comes to the water heater by looking at items such as:
- Water pressure on the system – Is it dangerously high?
- Is the unit big enough to meet your family’s needs?
- What can be done to prevent damage to the home when the unit becomes old and leaks?
- Does the unit need to be flushed out because it is making noise and may be close to the end of its life?
- What can be done to maximize a unit’s hot water output?
CW Service Pros Offers a 14-Point Plumbing Inspection Prior to Closing
Your 14-Point Inspection Includes:
- Dye test all toilets.
- Examine faucets for proper functioning.
- Verify functioning of all pop-up assemblies.
- Inspect all exposed water supply lines.
- Inspect exposed drains for leaks.
- Examine washing machine hoses.
- Inspect lawn faucets.
- Check gas connections to home and all appliances.
- Inspect water heater flue pipe.
- Check for gas and water leaks at the heater.
- Check for excessive water pressure on the home.
- Inspect main clean-outs and main water shut-off valve.
- Verify functioning of the T&P safety valve on water heaters.
- Check all emergency shut-off valves.
In addition, consider having hydrostatic and pressure testing on the water, sewer, and gas systems. The plumber will make sure there’s no loss in pressure and no signs of hidden leaks.
Get Simple, Upfront Pricing with Satisfaction Guaranteed
At CW Service Pros, we always provide a written estimate prior to starting work. You can rest assured that we will be here to help you uncover potential problems before you make a costly mistake by purchasing a home that has hidden issues. Why take chances? Call us-an affordable, local plumber today!