If you are in the market for a new home, there are so many things to consider and so many houses to sift through. Although homeowners are supposed to have a thorough inspection that tells them all the potential repairs and problems the house might face, they might not catch everything. These are important plumbing Charleston, SC issues to look for that signal trouble to beware of!
Sewage System Plumbing Problems
Sewage is something that we really don’t think about, but if you are a potential homeowner, it is good to be sewage system-savvy! Your sewage system is responsible for collecting waste and eliminating it from your home. The main sewer line should exit a home at the lowest part. If a home is attached to a municipal system, the line attaches to the main line of the city. If the home uses a septic system, the line should run into a septic tank or leach field.
Be cognizant of odors that come from the sewer system, because those will be your biggest indication of whether it needs to be repaired or not. But the absence of odor does not mean you are good to go!
If you are looking to buy a home with a specific system, ask the seller how frequently they service the system and when they last had that done. For more assurance, it is a good idea to have a plumber inspect it via camera to rule out any potential issues that can be really expensive.
Problems with the Water Heater
According to statistics, the average water heater replacement is less than $1000. Tankless water heaters are going to be more energy-efficient, but they are also more expensive upfront. Before you purchase a home, make sure that you have a plumber look at the water heater.
If it is more than ten years old, it is probably going to need to be replaced. Make sure to ask the seller how old it is, how often they maintained it, and if there’s a history of repairs. A new tankless water heater can run as much as $3k to $8k, so keep that in mind when bidding your home price.
Drain- and Toilet-Specific Problems
Clogged drains and leaky plumbing and toilets might seem like a quick fix, but that isn’t always the case. Sometimes a small leak can lead to a high price tag and further damage that needs to be repaired. Clogged drains might be a sign of a bigger problem.
When having an inspection, it is a good idea to have a plumber evaluate all of the bathrooms, kitchen, and any other plumbing systems in the home to determine if there are repairs needed or if anything needs to be replaced.
If you are considering buying a new home, it is a buyer-beware situation. Although a home inspection will help you to pinpoint potential damages, problems, and expenses, it might not catch everything. It is always a good idea before investing in something as massive as a home to have a plumbing expert in Charleston, SC, evaluate it to make sure that nothing is amiss.
At Patriot Plumbing, we can help you safeguard your purchase and give you an insight into the health of your potential home purchase’s plumbing. Contact us today to schedule your plumbing inspection.
