There are things at home that almost always require repairs or replacing, and they are often put off until later. However, when you are planning to sell a home, you can’t shirk off these repairs on the new buyer without facing potential legal consequences (should you fail to disclose the problems) or heavy deductions from your sale price. In the end, it’s cheaper and more ethical to have these problems addressed before you attempt to sell your home. Here are some of the basics to keep an eye out for in regard to your home plumbing system.
1. Low Water Pressure
If you have persistent low water pressure in your home, you need to have it addressed before you attempt to sell. It’s possible that there’s an obstruction somewhere that’s blocking the water. This can be easily fixed by having the pipes cleaned out in case of residue buildup, though sometimes it may take an extensive high-pressure hydraulic cleaning to have done properly. If the obstruction is large, a plumber will have to find and remove it directly from the pipes.
2. Water Hammer
If you hear a loud knocking whenever you shut off the water at a sink, a shower, or in a bathtub, you’ve heard a water hammer. This means that the water has suddenly changed direction. This could also mean that the water pressure suddenly increased. A hydraulic shock that makes the pipes shake and bang into each other is caused by a sudden increase in pressure. Plumbing and appliance issues can cause water hammers and should be addressed before you attempt to sell the house.
3. Sinks and Faucets
It’s important to make sure that sinks and faucets don’t leak. If you’ve been living in the house yourself, you should be fairly aware already where any potential leaks are, but if you’ve been renting the place out then you’ll have to test them out yourself. Leaks that are left without repair can cause standing water in remote places, leading to mold and mildew growth. While some leaks can be repaired by replacing an old faucet or tightening a loose pipe, other leaks may require the whole sink to be replaced. When in doubt, speak to a trusted local plumber
Nobody wants to move into a home that will need expensive repairs, and savvy home buyers will be on the lookout for signs of these issues. While you may believe that you can keep the worst of the damage hidden from the buyer, you can’t hide it from a professional home inspector. Before trying to sell your home, make sure that the essentials, such as the plumbing, are all in top condition to avoid having to deduct large amounts of money from your asking price.
Written and Published by: VanEd
