If you’re a home buyer, maybe even a first-time homebuyer, and the house you’re looking at is an older home, maybe between 20 and 60 years old–––or older, beware of potential plumbing problems before you sign on the dotted line. If you have any specific concerns, have a list of questions ready for your home inspector. A couple of primary areas may require a more detailed inspection, and it may cost you slightly extra. It could pay dividends in the future.
If you purchase a house that’s had a home inspection and you find out a week later that your sewer lines are cracked, you have no recourse. As much as we would like to think real estate agents and home inspectors want the best for their clients, they are not all the same. With due diligence, potential homeowners need to step up in the home buying process. Home Buyers – Beware of plumbing issues before you purchase!
Have A Video Inspection Completed On The Sewer Line
Your home inspectors will examine the major systems in a home, such as HVAC, electrical, and plumbing system. With that said, an inspector will not complete a video inspection of your sewer line. Clay and cast iron sewer lines will likely be the sewer line present in an older home, especially if the home is older than sixty years old. Although they have a 50-year life expectancy on average, some may last much longer, while others may have a shorter lifespan. If you’re purchasing a home that exceeds 20 years old, it might be best to have a video inspection of your sewer line.
It’s Not Hard To Mask A Defective Sewer Line
Most homeowners will not want to replace an old sewer line, especially if they are selling the home. It wouldn’t be difficult to mask any sewer line issues. For instance, if your sewer line runs smoothly, the owner may have had it hydro jetted. However, the sewer line could have been filled with tree roots in the past. Hydro jetting could easily mask the problem. Have your lines inspected by a professional plumbing contractor.
Complete A Water Quality Check Of Your Steel Galvanized Pipes
If you’re an old-time plumbing contractor, you’ll remember that steel galvanized pipes were the pipe of choice for most plumbers through the 1960s. After that, copper pipes were the pipe of choice for home building. Steel galvanized pipes have a lifespan of 40 to 50 years. When purchasing a new home, have your inspector thoroughly check the pipes for rust and mineral deposits built up. In addition, a water quality test might be helpful since what we’ve learned about the galvanized pipes is that over decades of use, they tend to corrode from the inside out.
You Should Take Old Galvanized Steel Pipes Into Consideration Before a Home Purchase
If the home you’re considering has old galvanized pipes, they are more prone to clogs. While iron zinc-coated steel pipes were corrosion-resistant, the pipes still rust with age and should be considered when making a home purchase.
Check The Age On Your Water Heater
Your water heater has a 10 to 15-year life span. Your home inspector and plumbing professional can tell you how old your water heater is, based on the model and serial number. If it’s still working but over ten years old, the sellers might be willing to allow for some compensation. Anytime your water heater shows signs of rust, it should be replaced, or the potential homeowner should be compensated. In the best-case scenario, the new homeowner could get compensated, so they can purchase the water heater they desire.
Have No Regrets When Purchasing A New Home
No one wants to move into a new house only to have regrets. Our plumbing system is an intricate part of our home’s function. A broken sewer line, rusted galvanized steel pipes, old clay copper pipes, and an outdated water heater can squash the joy of a new home buying experience. An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of sorrow so go the extra mile to ensure your home is in the shape you deserve before purchasing.
No one has ever regretted paying a small amount to ensure their home is up to par. Consult with a plumbing specialist before your home purchase. When you call Big B’s Plumbing, you’re getting an A+ rated plumbing company with the Better Business Bureau. We’re licensed (986152), bonded, and insured with well over twelve hundred top-notch reviews.
