Buying a Home? Not Without a Plumbing Inspection!

When you're looking to buy a new home, a lot goes into the decision. From the amount of rooms, to the dream kitchen, parking spaces available and other features, you need to make sure you find just the right place. But there's one thing that many homebuyers don't realize they should do, and that's to have a home plumbing inspection.

Don't wait until you have already purchased the home to call for a plumbing inspection, because that may be too late. It could lead to disaster. When you call Anta Plumbing for a home buyer's' inspection, we will look at the following aspects of your plumbing system:

Toilets

Most homeowners neglect leaks at the base of their toilets. It usually seems small or insignificant, but it can start to rot the subfloor and seep into the finished floor. Sealing it will only make it much worse.

Look out for the following signs:

• discoloration
• warping
• softness or moving on the floor around the base
• movement of the bowl (This could indicate a bad seal)

Water Heaters

A water heater should last about 8-12 years, depending on the water quality, the amount of usage, installation and maintenance. Combi heaters usually last somewhat smaller as they work much harder.

Consider the placement of the water heater. A water heater should not be placed in a location where it can cause a lot of damage to hardwood floors or dry walls. If it is in an awkward place, consider what can be done to prevent or limit damage.

Drain pans can also overflow eventually, so it is important to be vigilant about regular inspections of the closet or room in which your hot water heater is located.

With the help of your plumber, using the brand, model and serial number of your water heater, you can determine the age of the unit and have it properly evaluated to see whether it needs to be replaced and whether it will meet the requirements of your family in your new home. Many homes with soaking tubs have undersized water heaters that are insufficient for their needs.

Main Sewer

Last, but definitely not the least, is the main sewer. A clog in the main sewer that runs between the city sewer and your new house can have nasty repercussions. For that reason, it is important to call Anta Plumbers before you sign on the dotted line. We will clear the drains sufficiently to insert our video sewer inspection equipment, which will help us to have a look at the inside of your sewer lines. We will be able to see clogs, roots in drains, and even line collapses that require major repairs.

Finding out that your new home's plumbing system requires a lot of work can put a damper on the excitement about your purchase, but it will give you the opportunity to save some money on costly repairs, as the homeowner will be responsible for repairing it before you buy. At the same time, it will help avoid nasty plumbing emergencies once you have moved in.

A new home purchase is a major investment, and knowing the condition of your plumbing system is a key component to securing your peace of mind.