4 Big Questions To Ask About Plumbing Before Buying A Home
Posted on: 9 October 2015
You may think you have found your dream home, but you have to be careful when making such a huge investment. Problems hidden below the surface could easily lead you to sinking your hard-earned money into a house that has major problems--especially when it comes to major plumbing issues. Before you call up the bank and get the go ahead to make an offer, there are four big questions about plumbing that you should ask the seller.
1. How long has it been since the septic tank has been serviced? - An ill-maintained septic tank and system can lead to huge issues, and perhaps even a full replacement, which can be as much as $4,000 or more. You may not mind taking on a new project, but you will definitely want to know if the house needs septic attention before you buy it.
2. Has the seller made any plumbing updates in the home? - If the home you are looking at was built before the 1960s, there is a good chance that at least some of the plumbing pipes are galvanized steel, which are notorious for corrosion and plugging up over time. Before you get into a home that is going to need a major plumbing overhaul, ask the seller if any of the plumbing pipes have been change since the home was built.
3. Has the seller had any major plumbing problems in the past? - Simple checkups from the plumber or other minor issues should not be concerning, but if you find out that there has been a reason to have a plumber out several times in the previous years, it may indicate that the house you are considering has some plumbing issues you should know about.
4. What is the average water bill? - It may sound like an intrusive question, but asking about recent water bills when you are considering buying a home is actually a very good idea. By understanding what the seller usually pays for water compared to the size of their family, you can get a pretty good idea of how efficient the home's plumbing fixtures are. You may also be able to obtain this information by asking the local water company about gallon usage per month and recent leak problems.
By taking a bit of time to ask the right questions about the plumbing in a house that you might buy, you could save yourself a great deal of time and money in the future. Talk to a professional plumber or try this site for more ideas about how to spot signs of plumbing trouble in any home as a buyer.
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