What You Should Know When Buying a Home
When someone purchases a house, there is typically an inspection period before the property officially changes hands to the new owner. During this period, the home undergoes a general home inspection (performed by a professional home inspector). The purpose of this inspection is to identify any potential issues that the seller and buyer may not be aware of so that they can be dealt with before the transfer of ownership. This inspection period is also when the home buyer can coordinate whatever other inspections they would like performed, such as a plumbing inspection.
You may wonder if a plumbing inspection is necessary, given that the general home inspection includes a review of the home’s plumbing system. The answer is yes; it is always a good idea to have a property’s plumbing system inspected by a licensed plumber before the purchase is completed.
Common plumbing issues that may be uncovered during the plumbing inspection:
- Corroded, rusted, or damaged pipes
- Leaks and broken pipes
- Blockages and clogs
- Sewer line issues
- Water heater problems
- Unpermitted plumbing work
- Outdated plumbing, including lead pipes
- Improperly installed plumbing appliances
When a problem is uncovered during a plumbing inspection, the potential homebuyer can negotiate a solution with the current owner. In some cases, the current owner may offer to make the repairs before the new owners move in. In others, the current owner may offer the buyer a monetary credit so that the new owner can manage the repairs once they take possession of the property.
The Benefits of a Camera Inspection
In particular, we always recommend that homebuyers insist on having a sewer line camera inspection. Sewer lines are common sources of plumbing problems, especially in older homes. A camera inspection is a relatively inexpensive way to get a real-time look at what is going on in the property’s sewer line. With a camera sewer inspection, you will be able to see whether there is any damage inside the sewer pipe, the level of corrosion and/or buildup and whether there is any serious root intrusion.
A professional sewer line camera inspection can also identify:
- Leaks
- Blockages
- Cracks
- Broken pipes
- Collapsed or sagging pipes
Additionally, with a camera inspection, you can get a sense of the overall condition of the sewer line and an idea of how often the line will need to be cleaned. All of this can also help clue you into how the rest of the plumbing system has likely been taken care of and may provide insight into other issues you should be aware of. Furthermore, if you are purchasing an older property (and many homes in the Glendale area are well over 50 years old), it can also help you know when to expect the sewer line to require replacing.
When to Have Your Sewer Cleaned
On average, sewer lines should be cleaned every 2 to 3 years. That said, newer sewer pipes may need less frequent cleaning, while older lines or lines with chronic repair problems may need more frequent cleaning. After your camera inspection, our plumbers will discuss the overall condition of the sewer and drains with you, offering our expert advice on how often to schedule sewer cleaning.
Do You Need Sewer Location Services?
Generally speaking, you only need sewer location services if you are preparing to do work on your sewer line. Many modern sewer lines do not feature locator wires (wires installed alongside sewer lines to help plumbers locate the sewer line in the future). Consequently, if you know you have to excavate your sewer line, you will need sewer locator services first. Sewer location services are crucial to ensuring that only the necessary areas are excavated when sewer work is completed, limiting the amount of damage and mess on your property.
Send us a message online to learn more about our plumbing inspection and sewer location services. Moe Plumbing Services. has decades of experience working on residential plumbing systems in the Glendale area, and we are always happy to help new homeowners.