When you are buying a new home, there are a lot of things to inspect. You are making a major investment that you don’t want to come with a bunch of costly repairs. You want to make sure the roof isn’t going to leak, that the foundation is stable, and that the plumbing is in good condition.
One of the most important things to check for is potential plumbing problems. If there are any major issues with the sewer line or gas line, it can be very expensive to fix them. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the most common plumbing problems you should look for when buying a new home. We will also talk about how to negotiate who pays for those repairs if they are needed.
Sewer Line
One of the most common (and expensive) plumbing problems is a sewer line repair. If there are any issues with the sewer line, it will need to be repaired or replaced. This can be a very costly job, so it is important to have it inspected before you buy the home.
Some common sewer line problems include:
– Broken or cracked pipes
– Clogs or blockages
– Tree roots invading the sewer line
– Leaks
All of these problems can be expensive to fix, so it is important to be aware of them before you buy a home. If you are unsure about the condition of the sewer line, it is always a good idea to have a plumber inspect it before you make an offer on the home.
Gas Line
Another common plumbing problem is a gas line repair. Some common problems that would require a gas line repair are:
– A gas leak
– Clogs or blockages in the gas line
– Damage to the gas line
– Improper installation of the gas line
If you are trying to buy a home that needs gas line repairs, you are dealing with something that may not only be expensive but also dangerous. It is important to have a qualified professional inspect the gas line before you buy the home. A reputable plumber is the person for the job.
Water Heater
Another potential plumbing issue you should be aware of is a water heater repair. Some common problems that require a water heater repair are:
– A broken heating element
– A broken thermostat
– A leaking tank
Water heaters are usually fairly inexpensive to repair, but they can be a major hassle if they break. You will want to have it inspected ahead of time to determine what kind of shape the water heater is in.
Leaks in Any Part of the Home
One final plumbing issue to be aware of is leaks. Leaks can happen in any part of the home, but they are most common in the kitchen and bathroom.
Some common causes of leaks are:
– Worn out pipes
– Loose fittings
– Cracks or holes in the pipes
Leaks can be a major problem because they can cause water damage. If you are buying a home that has leaks, you will want to have them repaired before you move in.
Who Pays for the Repairs?
If you find that there are repairs needed, you will need to negotiate with the seller who pays for those repairs. In most cases, the seller will be responsible for paying for the repairs.
However, in a hot seller’s market (when there are more home buyers than home sellers) the seller may have enough leverage to request you pay for some or all of the repairs. In this situation, you will want to make sure you have a good realtor that helps you negotiate with the seller.
Your Local Plumber Can Help!
No one wants to buy a home that needs repairs, but sometimes your dream house will require some repairs before you move in. If you can determine any problems during inspection, you will be able to negotiate those repairs with the seller instead of being surprised by them after moving in.
If you follow these tips, you will be prepared to buy a home even if it needs some help. Just make sure to find a qualified, reputable plumber to make those repairs so you can rest easy and enjoy your new home.
