Finding a buyer for your home is always welcome news, but the sale may not ultimately go through if the home inspection is unsuccessful. Not every plumbing problem can be averted ahead of an inspection, but there are some proactive steps that you can take if you are selling your home and want to increase your chances of passing a buyer’s professional plumbing inspection. Here is a look at where you may be able to make some improvements.
In the Bathroom
It is not surprising that many plumbing problems occur in bathrooms given how often they are used. Here are some of the areas to focus on when preparing for the inspection.
Drains
Hair and soap clogs can build up over time and turn into major drain blockages. Therefore, you should be disassembling your drain traps and removing debris from time to time. If you haven’t been staying on top of this important task, you may consider using a drain snake or a high-pressure water jet to clear the lines.
Faucets
You should be checking your bathtub, shower, and sink faucets for leaks on a regular basis and replacing any bad washers or cartridges to stop drips. Irregular spray and weak water pressure can also be signs of problems, such as calcium buildups in the aerators. Aerators can be removed and cleaned manually or soaked in vinegar to break up any buildup.
Caulking
If any of the caulking in your bathroom is compromised, it is time to seal the gaps with some fresh caulk. Otherwise, water could make its way behind your walls and under your floors, which can lead to serious water damage.
Toilets
Take your toilet tank lid off and watch what happens when you flush. At the end of the flush cycle, the toilet should shut off; if it continues to run, it may be wasting a lot of water. Often, the source of this problem is something that can be fixed easily, such as a faulty floater or flapper. If the toilet rocks when you sit on it or you see water seeping around its base, it may be time to replace the wax ring sealing the toilet’s base to the drain opening.
In the Kitchen
Another area prone to plumbing problems is the kitchen. Here’s where you should look.
Faucets
If your kitchen faucet is leaking, it could be silently wasting hundreds of gallons of water every year. Turn your faucet on and observe it carefully to see if any repairs need to be made.
Sinks
Your kitchen sink undoubtedly gets a lot of use, so clean the drain using a mild drain cleaner to ensure it flows well. You should also look in the P-trap and sink strainer to make sure that no leaks are occurring when the water in the sink drains out. If you see any signs of corrosion or leaking, you should replace the strainer. You may also need to tighten your P-trap fittings. If your kitchen sink drains slowly, take apart the P-trap so you can look for clogs and remove them.
Dishwashers
One of the most common plumbing problems that dishwashers encounter is the inability to drain at the end of the washing cycle. Check your water discharge hose for any pinching or clogs as this is usually the cause of the problem.
Refrigerators
Be sure to change the filter in your refrigerator’s ice maker or water dispenser regularly. This does more than ensure your water tastes fresh; clogs can actually stop the flow of water. Look at the water supply hose to see if it is worn out and replace it if needed.
Garbage Disposals
Problems with the garbage disposal typically occur at the place where the dishwasher discharge connects to the disposal or where the discharge runs into the sink drain. Tightening the connections in these areas or replacing gaskets can solve many types of leaks.
Elsewhere Around the House
Here are some of the other areas of the home you should check when preparing for a home inspection.
Water Heaters
Check above your water heater for signs of water leakage in the hot water exit pipe and the cold water inlet pipe. You should also inspect the base of the heater to make sure there is no leaking there; if so, you may need to replace the temperature or pressure relief valve. If you see any signs of corrosion, the water heater may need to be replaced entirely.
Washers
If your washing machine has any rubber hoses bulging out of it, they need to be replaced or they could burst and cause significant water damage. Take a look at the valves controlling the cold and hot water hoses as well. If they cannot stop the flow of water completely when they are turned off, it is time to replace them.
Reach Out To The Professionals at O’Connor Plumbing
Don’t let your home sale get derailed by plumbing issues that you could have addressed ahead of the inspection. Get in touch with the team at O’Connor Plumbing to schedule a professional plumbing inspection to help spot any potential problems that can be corrected ahead of the sale.