There’s a lot that needs to be considered when purchasing a home, with one of the biggest factors being the house’s plumbing.
Housing inspections are superficial, looking only for the most obvious issues to assess the home’s condition. In most cases, the extent of these plumbing checks is to make sure water flows from the faucets and shower, the toilet flushes, and the drains are clear.
They aren’t looking for the things that will truly affect you and your family once you move in, which is why it’s important to bring in your own expert before making this major purchase. Major plumbing issues aren’t always easily detectable and can seriously impact the comfort and safety of your new home.
It’s good to know what you’re getting into before you sign on the dotted line.
At Superior Plumbing & Drains, LLC, we’re on your side. Our expert plumbers will perform a thorough plumber inspection on the home to avoid any unexpected issues later on.
Here are some of the top things we’ll look for to help you make an informed decision:
1. Plumbing Pressure Inspection
The seller’s inspection may stop at making sure water comes out of the faucets, but they aren’t looking at one of the biggest factors that affect usability: the plumbing pressure.
The water pressure in a home should be somewhere between 60 and 80 PSI (pounds per square inch).
Water pressure that’s too low makes easy tasks around the house more complicated. It slows down the process of washing dishes or watering plants and affects the entire shower experience. Often one of the first signs of a leak in the plumbing, low pressure can indicate bigger issues.
On the other hand, plumbing pressure that’s too high can cause serious damage by rupturing the pipes, creating problems for toilets, and causing appliances such as ice makers and dishwashers to break down.
Plumbing pressure is one of the things we’ll be looking for when you call Superior Plumbing & Drains, LLC. If the pressure is too high or too low, it could indicate other issues you’ll need to be aware of before considering purchasing the home.
2. Hot Water Heater
Hot water is an essential part of daily life, but it’s something the seller’s inspection may not include. Water heaters are a costly investment, so you’ll want to know what the condition of the heater is before you agree to buy the home. At Superior Plumbing & Drains, LLC, we’ll be looking closely for:
- Signs of rust or corrosion
- Leaks
- The age of the tank
- Any issues with the emergency gas shut-off
An old or faulty water heater doesn’t have to be a deal breaker when it comes to deciding whether to make the purchase, but it’s definitely something you’ll want to be aware of.
3. A Closer Look at Your Fixtures
The seller’s inspection may not go any further than a quick check to ensure that the fixtures within the home work. A Superior Plumbing & Drains, LLC inspection takes it a step further. We’re looking to make sure the toilets are flushing to completely eliminate waste, checking for clogs, and ensuring there are no leaky toilets, sinks, or showers.
4. Sewer Camera Inspection
Sewer camera inspections are the most effective way to get a clear picture of the home’s plumbing. Particularly helpful in locating tree roots that may have penetrated the pipes, this technique helps to quickly detect any leaks or major issues going on underground where you can’t see.
The licensed plumbers at Superior Plumbing & Drains, LLC are specially trained to perform thorough sewer camera inspections, so you know exactly what you’re getting into. With this cutting-edge technology, we’ll be able to give you a detailed report on the home’s plumbing situation to help you decide whether the investment is worth it.
5. Winterization
If the home you’re considering has been vacant for a while, it may be winterized. Winterization is the process that prepares a home to handle the colder winter temperatures by shutting off the water and emptying the pipes to keep them from freezing.
This winterization can make it challenging to inspect the home’s plumbing, but at Superior Plumbing & Drains, LLC, it’s not a problem. We’ll assess the situation and come up with the best course of action to provide the answers you need, whether that means de-winterizing the home or using air tests. We’ll find the best solution for the job.
A Residential Plumber You Can Count On
If you’re considering purchasing a home in the Monroe/Charlotte or Gaston Area, make Superior Plumbing & Drains, LLC your first call. The home buying process is stressful, but we can help make it easier.
You can even count on us to handle any plumbing repairs you decide to have done. Whatever your plumbing needs, we’re here to help. Contact us online or give us a call at (704) 289-6858 to set up your home plumbing inspection today.
