The plumbing system is just one of the essential aspects of a house that potential buyers tend to overlook when buying a home in Australia. More often than not, the breathtaking scenery, the quiet neighbourhood, or some other feature that’s a part of their list has already taken these people in.
While speaking with the real estate agent about a pre-owned house, take time asking about the property’s plumbing system. To make this job easier, you can also have it checked by a reliable plumbing contractor or a local 24 hour plumber Sydney wide.
To help you evaluate the house’s real value, take note of the following guidelines:
Sewage System
As a buyer, you have a right for a full disclosure of the house. That ranges from the types of the roof down to the sewer. Just because the sewer may be a disgusting and smelly topic to talk about does not mean you and the agent only discuss how warm or elegant the master bedroom is.
Inquire about the sewer and the main drain. If it is an old house, have a professional plumber inspect the sewage system. Some homes have tree roots growing into the drain systems, and it blocks the wastewater from passing through, which presents an unpleasant and costly dilemma for the homeowner.
Additionally, if a house has a septic tank, ask where the tank is located along with the pipes connected to it. Check for any leaks or outflow around the tank. For better results, hire a professional plumber to help you with the inspection.
Water Heater
The realtor should have the buyer informed about the condition and location of the water heater, especially in older houses. If situated in an inconspicuous area inside the house, damaged water heaters could cause leaks which could compromise the structural integrity of the flooring or drywall.
Apart from that, inquire about the other details, such as the age or capacity of the water heater. Check for the manufacturer’s serial number to confirm the age of the water heater and if it has exceeded its lifespan. Also, you’ll be wise to mind the capacity because there are instances in which the previous homeowners have either smaller or bigger tanks.
Pipes
For sellers in real estate, plumbing concerns should be revealed to prospective buyers. The pipes should be chief among these concerns. Pipes are located behind the walls, and buyers aren’t aware of any standing issues until the damage goes from bad to worse. In this regard, ask the agent about the types of pipes inside the house. PVC pipes are better because they can withstand corrosion as compared to galvanised pipes.
Also, check for new pipe installations under the sink. Oftentimes, property management tends to fix the pipelines under the floor instead of the ones behind the walls because the latter is costlier and requires more work.
Toilet
The toilet is a fixture that most homeowners tend to overlook when examining their potential house with a broker. If you plan to buy a house yourself, make sure that the toilet is in pristine or near-pristine condition. That means there should be no stains or suspicious warping around the base. The bowl should hold firmly on the floor; it shouldn’t rock back and forth when you sit on it. Also, the tiled flooring should not feel soft under your feet.
For that matter, take your time in inspecting the toilet to ascertain that there are defects left unchecked. If you want, you can ask for the disclosure document. As the potential buyer, you should be notified of any repairs or concerns by the vendor in real estate. Plumbing fixtures, like toilets, sinks, and even the shower, should be mentioned in that document.
