There’s a lot to think about when you’re buying a new home. Most prospective homeowners know at least the fundamental questions to ask about a home’s condition and history. But beyond the surface-level details, not everyone digs in to learn more about the home they are buying. And by doing so, they are potentially losing money. This is especially true for the plumbing system. Although hidden from plain sight and often overlooked, plumbing-related expenses can add up. Furthermore, they’re some of the most challenging issues for homeowners to fix. Therefore, it pays off to have a plumbing inspection performed before buying a home.
Crunching the Numbers
When you add up the numbers, you’ll see that investing in a plumbing inspection is worth the cost. The average American spends nearly $2,000 each month on plumbing-related repairs and home maintenance. A single plumbing project can cost upwards of $400. In contrast, a professional plumbing inspection costs about $165. Considering that the Las Vegas best plumber can point to significant issues that need repairs, it is well worth it to have a professional check out your new home! If a professional plumber finds work that needs to be done to the house, you are in a better position to negotiate the sale price with the seller.
What Plumbing Features Should be Checked?
Whether it’s from lack of knowledge or the urge to save money, many homeowners neglect to have critical parts of their plumbing systems checked. If you’re thinking of buying a home, the last thing you want is to pay (literally) for the previous owner’s mistake. Therefore, a professional should look at several key components of a plumbing system.
Main Sewer Line
The main sewer line is a critical part of your home’s plumbing system. If a problem develops with this sewer line, you can face plumbing emergencies and significant repair bills. A professional plumber can check for problems with the sewer line by inserting a camera into the piping. This camera gives a detailed picture of the entire sewer line. Any cracks, clogs, or other abnormalities in the sewer line can be detected and fixed.
Water Heaters
Water heaters last approximately ten years. Many factors influence a water heater’s longevity, including its maintenance history, installation, and use. To save room and prevent an eyesore, many water heaters are placed out of sight. Unfortunately, that also translates to “out of mind” for many. Before making a down payment, be sure to have the home’s water heater inspected. The tank should also be located in an area where it won’t cause damage if it leaks.
Toilets
Toilets are one of the most frequently used of all home appliances. They are also among the most susceptible to problems. A toilet leak, which commonly happens around the base, can be a significant headache. A leaking toilet wastes about 200 gallons of water each day. In turn, that can increase your water bills by $70 each month! The gaskets and faucet washers are two components that can wear out quickly and may need to be replaced. A quality plumber can find any problems with the toilets (and other appliances, for that matter) and let you know what’s wrong and how much it might cost to fix.
Before putting any more time and effort into purchasing a home, be sure to have a professional plumbing inspection performed. As you can see, a basic inspection can save you a lot of money! If you’re wondering “where can I find a plumber near me” to inspect a home, contact Service Plus Plumbing. We are proud to offer superior plumbing Las Vegas, and will gladly inspect a prospective home before you make a final purchase.
