In the case of selling a house, most people will be concerned with the visible features of the house. However, some of the most impactful issues on the deal may not be immediately apparent. In many cases, the state of the house’s water system will play an important role in the deal.
This is especially true in terms of supply lines, drainage systems, water heaters, and pressure control. Plumbing issues are commonly discovered during inspections. When these issues are discovered, there may be some uncertainty in the deal. Knowing the most common issues with the house’s water system will help both parties avoid these issues.
Inspection Findings That Influence Negotiations
In most cases, there is an inspection contingency in the purchase agreement for real estate. This is the time period during which the house is inspected for various issues with the plumbing. In many cases, issues with the house will be reported by the inspectors. There may be issues with corrosion on the house’s pipes, water stains under the sinks, slow drainage, and issues with the house’s water pressure.
While these issues may be minor in some cases, others may be more severe. In either case, these issues will be reported. In many cases, sellers will hire professional plumbers before listing the house for sale. Professional plumbers, such as those at Koala Plumbing, will be able to assess the house’s plumbing system and make the necessary repairs before listing the house.
A clean inspection report will not only safeguard the timeline of the transaction, it will also serve to bolster the buyer’s level of confidence in the maintenance record of the property.
Aging Supply Lines and Corrosion
The type of supply line used is an integral component of the inspection of a property. Older homes may have galvanized steel supply lines, while newer homes may have copper supply lines. Both types of supply lines have a tendency to corrode from the inside. As corrosion begins, the supply line will gradually narrow, which will cause the water pressure to decrease. The corrosion will cause discoloration of the fixtures.
Although the supply line will continue to operate, the corrosion will be an indicator of the expense of replacement in the near future. Buyers will calculate the expense of replacement of the supply line and negotiate based upon it.
PEX and PVC supply lines are more resistant to corrosion, but inspectors will still assess the quality of installation and connections. If there is evidence of corrosion in the supply line, it is better to resolve it to alleviate buyer concern.
Drainage Problems and Sewer Line Concerns
Wastewater is another common cause of problems in the inspection of a property. The drain line must be properly sloped, clear of obstructions, and securely connected to the sewer system. Tree root intrusion, improper pipe alignment, and structural integrity of older clay and cast iron pipes can all cause problems.
Common indicators of sewer line problems are gurgling drains, slow-moving sinks, and backflow in fixtures located in the basement. If inspectors identify these problems, it is necessary to recommend a camera inspection of the sewer line. The sewer line can be inspected with a camera, which will reveal problems that are impossible to identify during an inspection.
Repairs to sewer lines can be costly and intrusive. When issues like these are discovered too late in the negotiation, buyers often renegotiate or ask sellers to fix the problem prior to sale. Fixing issues with drainage concerns early on can prevent unexpected repair negotiations during the final stages of the sale.
Water Pressure and Distribution Irregularities
While water pressure issues may seem trivial, they can be indicative of larger problems with water distribution.
During property viewings and inspections, buyers often test water pressure in faucets and showers. If water pressure is low, buyers may be concerned about the maintenance of the water system. In multi-bathroom homes, inconsistent water pressure to different bathroom fixtures can be indicative of aging water distribution infrastructure or an unbalanced water pressure system.
If the home is equipped with a pressure regulator, it is important to verify that it is functioning properly. Correcting water pressure issues prior to sale can prevent buyers from misinterpreting water pressure issues as signs of neglect or lack of maintenance.
Water Heater Age and Reliability
Water heaters are one of the most common plumbing issues identified during real estate inspections. Most water heaters last approximately 8 to 12 years, depending on maintenance and water quality. In some instances, corrosion on the underside of the tank, sediment buildup, or inconsistent heating can be indicative of an aging water heater nearing the end of its lifespan.
Buyers often negotiate water heater replacement credits when sellers have water heaters nearing the end of their lifespan. In some instances, buyers or lenders require sellers to correct safety issues, such as faulty venting on gas water heaters, prior to approving financing.
Outdated Materials and Code Considerations
Homes built many years ago may have outdated materials used for their plumbing systems. Some materials, like polybutylene pipes, have been reported to have a higher failure rate and may become a concern for potential buyers who are knowledgeable about this issue.
While a plumbing system may still function well, outdated materials can become a concern for potential owners due to the potential for future problems. However, while not all outdated materials require replacement, sellers and potential owners can discuss this issue realistically.
Hidden Leaks and Structural Impact
Hidden leaks are one of the most problematic issues encountered during a property transaction. Moisture buildup inside walls and under flooring can cause damage to a property’s framework and insulation before any leaks are actually noticeable on the floor or walls.
Moisture meters and thermal imaging cameras are now used to inspect a property for concealed water leaks. If evidence of concealed leaks is found, the sale process can be put on hold to obtain a cost estimate for repairs.
Industry Standards and Property Condition
The need for functional plumbing is also highlighted by the authorities concerned with maintaining the safety of properties. In the USA, the Department of Housing and Urban Development considers the condition of the plumbing system an essential part of the overall assessment of properties involved in federally related transactions.
The functionality of the water system not only adds to the convenience of living but also increases the worth of the properties. It is always beneficial to prove the stability of the plumbing equipment.
