When trying to sell your home, plumbing problems can force you to sell the house below your desired selling price. Yet most homeowners don’t think of the condition of their plumbing before listing their home. It can turn out to be a fatal mistake, warns Adaptive Realty Management.
Ask any homeowner on the verge of listing their property, and most will tell you they plan to do kitchen or bathroom renovations. Very few plan to improve the plumbing system as part of their preparations to list the property. There is a simple reason people do this.
Unlike kitchen and bathroom renovations, plumbing upgrades are not sexy. Pictures of your home’s plumbing will not make potential buyers click on your sales ads. Despite this, there are good reasons to pay attention to your plumbing when planning to sell your home.
Although buyers love a home with great aesthetics, they value a home with functional systems even more. Cosmetic renovations cannot compensate for malfunctioning systems. If the plumbing doesn’t work as it should, no amount of curb appeal or style can make up for that.
That is why, as a smart homeowner, you want to focus on aesthetic and functional improvements when planning to sell your home. The cosmetic upgrades help you grab eyeballs and lure buyers, while the functional upgrades hook buyers and get them to buy.
Essential plumbing tasks to do before listing your home
Inspect your pipes
The plumbing pipes in your home – water/drainage pipes – may not be in their best condition. Aging, corrosion, and other factors may have worn them down. You may also have loose or damaged connections in the system. Before listing the house, a professional plumber can inspect your pipes to help you find any existing problems.
Clear your drains
Getting rid of the gunk that has accumulated inside the drainage system will prevent problems like slow drains, sewer odors in the home, and other drain problems that can scare potential buyers away. Have your entire drainage system inspected and cleaned. By hydro jetting the drain system, it can restore it to optimal performance.
Check your home’s water pressure
Water pressure issues can originate from your home or the city water supply plant. There is not much you can do about water pressure issues that originate outside your home. Problems inside your home, such as pipe leaks and excessive sedimentation within the pipes, can cause low water pressure.
Flush your water heater
A functioning water heater is a non-negotiable requirement for buyers. You want to ensure the water heater is in top condition; the anode rod should not be eroded, the heating elements must be working, and the TPR valve should be in good order. Finally, flush your water heater tank to remove any sediment inside it.
Insulate exposed pipes
Exposed water pipes in your home increase the risk of frozen and burst pipes during winter. These include pipes in the unheated areas of your home and pipes that are in direct contact with external walls. Insulating these exposed pipes will protect them. This small step can go a long way in helping you win buyers’ confidence.
Replace outdated pipes
If you still have lead or galvanized water pipes in your home, this is the time to replace them. Lead pipes have been banned for many decades, and the presence of galvanized pipes in your house will discourage potential buyers. You may even want to consider repiping the entire home; replace your current pipes with copper or PEX pipes.
Upgrade drains, faucets, toilets and appliances
Smaller drains restrict water flow, making it easier for pipes to clog. Installing a 2-inch drain in the bathroom improves water flow. Modern faucets and showerheads with water-saving features help to boost your home’s ambiance and reduce the energy bill. New appliances boost your home’s value and your negotiating power.
Inspect all vents
Proper venting is essential for the efficient function of your plumbing system. Problems like sewer gases entering the home may be due to improper venting. Blocked or damaged vents also increase the risk of backflow inside your plumbing. Call a professional to inspect them and ensure the roof and chimney vents are in good condition and working.
Keep plumbing maintenance documents accessible
Start now if you have not been keeping plumbing maintenance documents in the past. Keep proper records of the improvements and maintenance in the plumbing. Buyers value these records because they offer a sneak view of what they can expect from the plumbing. Proper documentation improves buyers’ confidence in the seller’s capability and integrity.
Finally, you need a qualified and experienced plumber. A competent plumber will assess your plumbing to highlight areas that may prevent a successful sale. They will also recommend plumbing upgrades that impact your home’s market value.