BUYING A HOME? HAVE A PLUMBER PERFORM A PLUMBING INSPECTION
Buying a home is a major purchase so nothing should be overlooked when deciding if you have found the right home for your family. With all the factors you’re juggling – price, location, number of rooms, etc. – it might not occur to you to have your plumbing inspected.
The plumbing of your home should be a deciding factor in your choice. Everything about your potential home could look fine on the surface, only to discover upon moving in that the plumbing is one blocked drain away from collapsing. Having a plumber perform a plumbing inspection of your home plumbing system will help you bring up problems with your realtor before you make your purchase.
Don’t be afraid to have a plumber inspect your home before you make a purchase. A reputable seller won’t mind you being informed about the property and should encourage you to find out as much as you can.
During a plumbing inspection, a plumber will confirm that everything is safe, legal, and installed by licensed professionals.
INSPECT FOR LEAKS
During the inspection, your plumber will make sure that your shower, dishwasher, sinks, faucets, tub and toilet are not leaking. Small leaks increase your water bill and can cause much bigger problems.
CHECK PIPES
By checking the size of your pipes, a plumber can determine the water pressure of your home. For good water pressure, the pipes should be at least ½” in diameter and the lines should be ¾” to 1 inch from the main source of water. If the home was built before 1986, a plumber will also check to see if it has lead pipes. As we know now, lead is an environmental toxin and you may not want to live in a home that has lead pipes.
WATER HEATER
A plumber can determine where your water heater is located, its capabilities, and its age. If the home water heater is in need of repair or replacement, you may be able to knock money off the asking price. You can also request that a new one is installed before you move in.
A plumber will also inspect emergency water shut-off, drain valve, thermostat, gas/electric connections, temperature and pressure relief valve, temperature setting, gas thermocouple, emergency gas shut-off, and flue pipe. The water heater plays an important role in your home, and having it unexpectedly break down is not only inconvenient but also expensive.
SEWAGE SYSTEM AND EXPOSED PIPES
A visual inspection of your pipes will reveal if there are any changes that need to be made before you move in. A plumber can also help you determine whether there is a septic tank installed on the property or if your waste goes to a municipal sewer system.
If there is a septic tank, your plumber can determine if there are any problems with it as well as where it is located, what pipes lead to it and when it was last serviced. A broken septic tank is an expensive problem that you can avoid by making sure it’s in good working order before you buy.
Make sure that you are properly informed on all areas of your potential home before you buy. A plumbing inspection can help you make the right choice and familiarize you with your plumbing for later on if something goes wrong.
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HVAC Pre Purchase Inspection
Moving into a new home is an exciting time in your life. But it can also be a rather stressful and expensive process. Often, homeowners find themselves buried under unexpected expenses after purchasing a new home. How does this end up happening? Home inspectors frequently fail to notice that important systems may need maintenance, repairs, or replacement during the standard preliminary home inspection. That's why you need an HVAC inspection before you move into your dream home.
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Furnace Inspection
Thermostat
To start off, it is important to make sure that your thermostat works properly. The contractor will test the device and inspect any internal wiring in order assess if everything is functioning as it should. During a standard home inspection, the heat or AC may come on, but you will not be able to determine if the thermostat is reaching it set temperature or not.
Furnace Cabinet
Next, the HVAC technician examines the structure and connections of the cabinet. This is important to inspect because it is where the internal furnace components are located.
Furnace Electrical Components
While inside the furnace cabinet, the HVAC professional evaluates all electrical connections and test all safety features, such as the high limit switch. This safety feature turns the furnace off when it is overheating.
Furnace Blower Wheel
Next, they assess the cleanliness and efficiency of the furnace blower wheel. The blower wheel pushes the circulating air through your HVAC system and back into your duct work. If it is not working properly you will have HVAC will struggle to keep up with the demands of your household, and your utility bills will skyrocket.
Furnace Ignition
They must inspect the cleanliness and functionality of the burners, flame sensor, and igniter. When any of these features become dirty it can lead to your furnace blowing cold air or inconsistent heating. This is the reason regular maintenance is important for preventing a heating repair.
Furnace Exhaust Venting & Heat Exchanger
Next, the HVAC contractor inspects the condition of the flue pipe, and cracks or holes in heat exchangers. Carbon monoxide will leak out any cracks or holes in the heat exchanger or flue pipe.If you want peace-of mind, hire only HVAC professionals who know what they're doing so you aren't at risk for carbon monoxide poisoning or a gas leak.
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Air Conditioning System Inspection
For your air conditioning inspection, the HVAC specialist inspects your AC system's Evaporator Coil, which is located indoors above the furnace. If it's frozen, dirty, moldy then you're in trouble! You'll have significant air flow problems if this goes untreated for too long.
AC Drain Pan
The AC drain pan is a common source of leaks and mold. So during an HVAC inspection, the HVAC inspector assesses the condition of your AC drain pain, before water potentially leaks all over your new home. This is a common sources of AC dripping water.
AC Condensation Line
Examining your condensation lines is an important step to ensure you stay comfortable and don't experience any water leaks. The HVAC contractor takes a look at the line to see if it's clogged, has loose connections,cracks, or holes. They will also takes a deep look at the condensate trap and condensate drain or condensate pump to assess if they are clogged.
Outdoor AC Condenser & Blower Fan
For the outside AC system, the HVAC pro inspects the condition of the AC condenser unit. They go on to evaluate the efficiency and condition of condenser fan and fan motor.
AC Refrigerant Levels
Next they check the refrigerant levels. Many times when you run into AC problems, like AC freezing up or insufficient cooling, it is due to low refrigerant.
AC Electrical Components
The HVAC specialist inspects and tests all electrical connections and wiring. They assess efficiency through measuring voltage and amp draws.