The Benefits of Booking a Plumbing Inspection During Escrow

A plumber taking notes while looking under a residential kitchen sink during a plumbing inspection.

Knowledge Is Not Only Power: It Can Also Save You Loads of Money

Buying a new home is a complex and challenging process filled with numerous tasks, loopholes, hurdles, and obstacles! Don’t let fatigue fool you into passing on a plumbing inspection. Assessing the plumbing of any property is a critical step when it comes to avoiding unexpected issues, costly repairs, and unwanted emergencies.

Plumbing is one of the foundational infrastructure elements of your home. A thorough plumbing inspection will reveal undetected or hidden problems that could cost thousands down the road. Spotting a plumbing issue might be the red flag you need to halt the escrow process altogether. Perhaps you just want to renegotiate the price with the previous owner. Whatever the case, knowing your prospective property has leaky pipes, corroded water lines, clogged lines, damaged water heaters, or low water pressure is critical to making an informed decision.

What a Professional Plumbing Inspection Should Assess

The good news is that most mortgage lenders require a plumbing inspection before escrow can be closed. Nevertheless, some do not. Don’t be tricked by the temptation to save a few hundred dollars by skipping this step. A plumbing inspection is a significant factor in the valuation of your prospective property. It’s best to know exactly what you are buying so you don’t overpay or end up shocked and dismayed in the future when major issues arise. At Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Virginia Beach, we promise to perform a detailed, meticulous, and comprehensive plumbing inspection that checks all potential problem points off your list.

Common Plumbing Problems Encountered During Inspections

Clogged and Obstructed Sewer Lines

A thorough inspection will examine the main sewer line for backup, buildup, sediment, debris, and other obstructions. Sewer line clogs are more frequent than you may think. Clogs may require extensive jetting services, trenchless repairs, pipe relining, or piping replacement. Let a professional ensure your sewer line is running smoothly to avoid inheriting costly problems you’ll be regretful of later.

Worn-Out or Rusted Water Heaters

A critical component of any plumbing inspection is performing a thorough water heater investigation. A professional will check the water heater for signs of rust, corrosion, excess sediment buildup, water damage, or leaks. We can ensure that your water heater appears durable, dependable, and fully functioning. If the water heater is decrepit, rundown, or severely compromised, you might be able to negotiate for a replacement before escrow ends. Negotiations can help you save money and start fresh with a brand-new, energy-efficient appliance.

Cracked, Corroded, & Leaky Piping

Another common plumbing hazard is a pipe leak. A leak in your piping can result from natural wear and tear, rust, invasive tree roots, cracks caused by shifts in the foundation or soil, and an array of other causes. Whatever the catalyst for the leak, a damaged pipe can often lead to a litany of associated plumbing issues. Ruptured and pooling piping can cause mold, mildew, water damage, sinkholes, and corrosion. Pipes in older properties may also contain lead. Lead is a toxic element that is particularly harmful to pets and children.

Defective or Faulty Bathroom Fixtures

Our plumbing specialists can conduct a detailed bathroom inspection to look for alarming signs of underlying leaks or issues.

We will check for:

  • Mold or mildew blooms
  • Water spots or discolorations
  • Soggy walls, ceilings, or flooring
  • Loose tiles/fixtures
  • And much more!

These signs may hint at a leak the previous homeowner has covered or disguised. We will also examine your shower and sink faucets, toilet flushing capacity, shower drain, and piping for clogs, sewage backup, or fixture malfunctions. Finally, we can test the water temperature to ensure it offers the full range – from hot to cold.

Unhealthy, Contaminated, or Unsafe Water Quality

Testing water quality is pivotal to protecting the health of your home and family. Having clean, potable water is essential – even if you plan on drinking from a water filter. Our licensed and experienced plumber will look for water discolorations and signs of chemicals/pollutants in the water. Dirty or excessively hard water can damage appliances, dry your skin, and leave limescale on your expensive fixtures.

Let Us Provide You with a Full Overview of Your Plumbing Situation

It is helpful to remember that plumbing issues are common and need not sway you to avoid proceeding with the property purchase. That said, it is always better to be proactive and fully aware of the real estate property you are purchasing. Opting for a plumbing inspection will provide peace of mind and allow you to make smart financial decisions.

Since you are investing hard-earned money, you want to be sure you’ve not overlooked any major flaw that will lead to stress, costly emergencies, and never-ending headaches. Save yourself time and money today by adding a critical bargaining chip to final negotiations. If anything, you may split repair costs with the seller while repairing any issues before moving in.

Finally, a plumbing inspection might reveal a best-case scenario: A perfect plumbing system! In such a case, you’ll be able to sleep peacefully knowing you are unlikely to be beset by significant leaks, flooding, or pipe failure in the foreseeable future.

Let us inspect your future plumbing system today – call or contact us online!