From pricing just right to finding a real estate agent, going through the home inspection process and making repairs, there are a lot of things sellers have to do if they want to get their home sold. Some of the problems home inspectors may find have to do with the home’s plumbing – after all, plumbing is a crucial system that must be in good repair when selling a home.
Here are a few tips from plumbers that every seller has to read and do so they can get their home sold!
1. Check the pipes
When you turn your water on, does it have a brown, red, or yellow hue? If so, your pipes probably need to be replaced because they’ve begun to rust. Of course, replacing pipes throughout your home is going to be a huge task and it’ll cost a pretty penny. If you’re concerned about the cost, consult your real estate agent to see what options are available, if any.
2. Know how old the water heater is
Although your water is located somewhere out of view, you shouldn’t act like it doesn’t exist. Water heaters that are more than 10 years old should be looked at because it could eventually leak, overflow and flood your home. If it is old or you find leaks, contact a plumber to get it replaced.
3. Check toilets and faucets for leaks
A toilet may not be the pride and joy of your house, it is something that needs to be in proper working order. This means it shouldn’t move and the seal shouldn’t be discolored. These are indicators that your porcelain throne is leaking and needs repairing.
Likewise, a leaky faucet may be a minor nuisance to you, but to a buyer it will be a point of concern. The easiest way to fix a leaky faucet is by replacing it, but if it continues to leak at the base, you have a bigger problem. In that case, you will need to contact a plumber because you have water pressure problems or cracked plumbing.
4. Do not ignore signs of mold and water damage
Mold and water damage are problems that home inspectors cannot and will not overlook. Mold poisoning can cause health problems like aches and pains, headaches, memory loss, nosebleeds and even changes in a person’s mood. The mold is often caused by water damage and excess moisture.
The inspector will check for any rotting wood, moldy water stains, and may even require an air quality test to see if there are any mold spores. If you find signs of mold or water damage, you will need to contact a plumber.
5. Upgrade plumbing fixtures
You can give your home a new look by doing something as simple as replacing the fixtures, and this is true with plumbing fixtures, too. Upgrading the faucets, sinks and toilets can add value to your home. Plus, new fixtures means you don’t have to worry about leaks if installed correctly.
6. Hire a certified plumber
For any plumbing repairs that you cannot do yourself, you aren’t going to want to hire just anyone. You need to make sure that you hire a licensed and insured plumber that has a good reputation. One of the best places to find said plumbers is by going to the Better Business Bureau (BBB), as they rate businesses based on customer and client reviews. They also keep track of how long the business has been operating and we strongly recommend going with a family-owned business that’s been around for 20+ years, meaning they’ll have plenty of experience!
