Are you searching for a home in Melbourne, FL? Don’t let hidden plumbing problems ruin your dream. Florida homes face unique challenges, particularly those near the coast, such as homes in Melbourne. Melbourne also has many lovely, older neighborhoods, but older homes present plumbing problems of their own. By scheduling a plumbing inspection before buying […]
Are you searching for a home in Melbourne, FL? Don’t let hidden plumbing problems ruin your dream. Florida homes face unique challenges, particularly those near the coast, such as homes in Melbourne. Melbourne also has many lovely, older neighborhoods, but older homes present plumbing problems of their own. By scheduling a plumbing inspection before buying a home, you can save yourself from extensive, expensive repairs!
In this article, Sun Plumbing will discuss some of the unique plumbing risks for residents of the Melbourne, FL area. We will discuss the costs of delaying necessary repairs. We will explain what to expect during an inspection and how the results can give you negotiation power when buying a home. Lastly, we will discuss red flags that we might discover during our inspection and why we are the right choice for your inspection and plumbing needs.
What Is a Plumbing Inspection?
During a plumbing inspection, our professional plumber will inspect your pipes, water heater, fixtures, sewer lines (if requested), water pressure, and drainage. It is important, especially when buying an older home or one near the beach, to have a plumbing inspection in addition to a whole-house inspection. A whole-house inspection will not include as thorough an inspection of the plumbing as is needed. Necessary repairs may be missed.
How a Plumbing Inspection Helps with Negotiation
A plumbing inspection can help you when negotiating a purchase price. Use the inspection results to:
- Negotiate repairs or a lower price – Some owners prefer to have the repairs done before selling, as opposed to lowering their price. Either one benefits you.
- Request seller credits at closing – This is another way to receive money from the seller to make necessary repairs.
- Protects you from unexpected post-purchase expenses – Purchasing a home is expensive enough without unexpected repairs. Our plumbing inspection can help protect you from this.
- Real estate agents appreciate proactive buyers with documentation – With our plumbing inspection in hand, your real estate agent will know what concessions to request from the seller to secure a fair purchase agreement.
Red Flags a Plumbing Inspection Might Reveal
To help prepare you, here is a list of red flags that our plumbing inspection might reveal. We certainly hope not, but we want you to be as prepared and knowledgeable as possible. We might find:
- Low water pressure or rust-colored water
- Mold/mildew near walls or under sinks
- Inconsistent water temperature
- Slow drains or frequent backups
- Outdated materials like polybutylene or lead pipes. Watch this helpful video to understand why polybutylene is an issue.
Not all repairs are expensive, but all repairs need to be done.
Unique Plumbing Risks in Melbourne, FL
Melbourne is located near the beaches of the Atlantic Ocean. While our location is beautiful, it also comes with unique plumbing risks.
- Coastal Climate Issues – The high salt content in the air can cause corrosion of exposed pipes.
- Hurricane Exposure – The tropical storms and hurricanes we experience in the Melbourne area put stress on pipes, sewer systems, and water lines. We may experience flooding, and pipes may be exposed to the salt air, leading to corrosion. Flooding can also cause cracks, leading to soil and root intrusion in pipes.
- Older Homes in Areas Like Eau Gallie and Historic Downtown Melbourne – Cast iron or galvanized steel pipes may be deteriorating. While they have a fairly long lifespan, our weather can shorten it. Or, the home you are looking to buy may easily be 100 years old, so the pipes are at the end of their life. In established neighborhoods with beautiful, old trees, the roots often make their way into sewer lines. Older homes are beautiful and should continue to be enjoyed by families, but their pipes need to be replaced.
Potential Costs of Ignoring Plumbing Problems
There are hidden plumbing issues that, if left undetected or ignored, can cost you thousands of dollars. These problems can include the following:
- Leaky pipes inside walls – If you see discoloration on the walls or buckling or squishy flooring, that is a sign of water intrusion from leaky pipes.
- Slab leaks – Slab leaks can be harder to detect. One indicator is the sound of running water, even when no water is turned on in the house.
- Clogged or collapsed sewer lines – You may see sewage backed up in tubs or showers. You may also notice flooded areas in the yard, indicating sewer line issues.
- Failing water heater – When looking at a home, you will not know if the water heater is failing unless there is an obvious sign, like leaking water. That is just one small example of why you need a plumbing inspection. Not all issues are detectable by just walking through a home or hiring a general house inspection.
The Cost of Ignoring Problems
Plumbing issues will never resolve themselves. They must be addressed. Leaks will get worse. Cracked pipes will become broken pipes. The longer you wait, the more damage will occur and the more it will cost you to make repairs. What could cost you $1000 now to repair could easily cost you several thousand dollars if you delay. This cost can rise significantly if water damage from leaking pipes causes mold issues in your home. Not only does this increase damage and repair costs, but it also puts your health at risk. The cost of ignoring plumbing problems is too high. Address them immediately.
Why Choose Sun Plumbing for Your Pre-Purchase Inspection and Plumbing Repairs?
A plumbing inspection before purchasing a home is a smart investment that can save you time, frustration, and money down the road. Don’t leave your biggest purchase to chance. Our plumbing inspections can help with negotiation by detecting red flags. Sun Plumbing has been a trusted local plumbing company in Melbourne, FL, for over 50 years. We are licensed, insured, and experienced with both new and historic homes. We are fast, friendly, and professional with experienced, knowledgeable plumbers. Call Sun Plumbing today to schedule your pre-purchase inspection. Spend a little money now to save a lot of money in the future!
