Are you considering buying a home? Congratulations on your new venture! Whether the home is going to be your primary residence, a vacation home or a rental, you may want to consider having a licensed plumber inspect the property during your inspection period prior to completing your purchase.
The Importance of Sewer Camera Inspections for Home Buyers
One inspection that should be considered is a sewer camera inspection. A camera inspection should be performed by a trained plumber using quality equipment. The camera system used for a sewer inspection is a thin cable with a camera on the end of it that can take video recordings of the inside of your sewer pipes. This inspection typically goes from the ground clean out in front of your home (or a roof vent if there are no ground cleanouts) and goes out to where the city sewer line meets yours. As an added bonus, the camera inspection will help determine whether or not your new home has ground cleanouts which can help plan for any possible future backups by knowing exactly where the access point is for your home’s sewer line. The camera inspection allows you to see inside of your main sewer line as well as determine the condition and material of the line to give you advanced warning of possible issues. At Instant Plumbing and Rooter, we offer the added option to have your camera inspection footage uploaded and emailed to you. This footage, in addition to the written report that our technicians provide, will give you peace of mind as well as a physical reference of any problems that may need to be resolved prior to finalizing the purchase of your home.
Why a Comprehensive Plumbing Inspection is Crucial for Home Buyers
Along with a camera inspection, you can also request a plumbing inspection for your prospective property. A plumbing inspection will get a second set of eyes on any plumbing issues that may or may not have come up during the standard home inspection. They can confirm if repairs need to be made based on plumbing code compliance and the current functionality of the plumbing. A plumbing inspection would essentially be an expert plumber going through the home and checking all of the visible plumbing, from the shut-off valves to the water heater and everything in between. Keep in mind that this would not include appliances like a dishwasher or washing machine, but would include the plumbing connections from the home to the appliances. All of the plumbing fixtures our technicians inspect should have also been inspected by a licensed home inspector. Home inspectors are trained to find potentially needed repairs for a home buyer. Once the standard inspection is complete, we recommend having a licensed plumber confirm and repair any plumbing suggestions made by the inspector. If you are in the market for a new home and have questions about the plumbing of your prospective purchase, give Instant Plumbing and Rooter a call today to schedule your camera and plumbing inspection!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is a sewer camera inspection and why is it important?
A: A sewer camera inspection involves using a specialized camera to view the condition of the inside of your sewer pipes. This can reveal issues such as blockages, cracks, or corrosion that may not be visible otherwise. At Instant Plumbing and Rooter, we offer the added option of providing you with the video footage and a written report, giving you valuable insights into the state of the plumbing before you finalize your home purchase.
Q: How does a plumbing inspection differ from a standard home inspection?
A: While a standard home inspection covers a broad range of issues, a plumbing inspection specifically focuses on the home’s plumbing system. This includes checking the water heater, shut-off valves, and the condition of visible pipes. It’s a second set of expert eyes that can confirm or refute any plumbing-related issues pointed out during the standard inspection.
Q: Does the plumbing inspection include checking appliances like dishwashers and washing machines?
A: No, a plumbing inspection does not typically include appliances like dishwashers or washing machines. However, it does include checking the plumbing connections that supply water to these appliances, ensuring they are up to code and in good working condition.
Q: Why should I have a plumber perform a separate inspection when I’m already getting a home inspection?
A: Home inspectors are generalists who cover a wide range of potential issues in a home, but they might not have the specialized knowledge that a licensed plumber has. A plumber can identify issues that may have been overlooked and provide expert advice on necessary repairs, code compliance, and the overall state of the plumbing system.
Q: How can I schedule a camera and plumbing inspection if I’m interested?
A: If you’re in the market for a new home and have questions about the plumbing, you can call Instant Plumbing and Rooter to schedule both a camera and a plumbing inspection. We can guide you through the process and help ensure that you’re making an informed decision on your home purchase.
