30 percent of homeowners see their dream home turn into a nightmare because they didn’t notice plumbing problems before they purchased.

Below are a few examples of plumbing nightmares encountered by homeowners.

Did you hear the one about the homeowners that found out the gas supply was coming through the taps?

A handyman repaired a leaking roof for the previous owners by hiding it behind a fresh coat of paint.

This was an expensive one, a home worth over 1.5 million dollars that had beautiful kitchen and bathroom renovations all put on old clay sewer pipes that collapsed shortly after settlement. This cost the new owners $20,000 to repair.

The scariest part of these horror stories is that the owners had the properties inspected prior to purchase, and none of these issues were picked up by the building inspectors. Most buyers don’t check the plumbing before they buy because it isn’t their area of expertise, but some building inspectors don’t have that expertise either.

10 problems to check before purchase or even check for in your existing home:

• Be sure to check your roof. It can cost anything from $10,000 to $50,000 to replace a damaged, leaking roof. Is there rust or buckling? Are there plants growing in the gutters?
• Are there any soggy areas in the lawns or gardens, this could signify inadequate drainage or a leaking septic system.
• Is it easy to access the roof? Sometimes people conceal access points to hide damage, so be sure to ask your inspector if they had any trouble viewing inside the roof.
• Is the roof newly renovated or painted? Is it a fix or a cover up?
• Has there been any new inside tiling done? Has it been done properly with the correct waterproofing? Water seepage can lead to big costs to repair.
• Has the house had any kitchen or bathroom renovations done? Were they done by a professional or a home handyman? Ask for the name of the professional used and thoroughly inspect the renovated area.
• Check at the back of toilets for leaks, a quick mop before you inspect can hide a leaking cistern or pipes.
• Ask for a map of the current drainage system. This can avoid costly gardening mishaps and also help you to identify if any big plumbing repairs have been done.
• Look for damp spots on walls and ceilings, any leaks should be detected by an inspector, but any major damage that is obvious at time of purchaser inspection should be taken into consideration as a possible big expense later.
• Check the age of the hot water system. You’ll find this information on its badge. They have a life of 8-10 years if poorly maintained or 15-20 years if they have been regularly serviced. If the unit is any more than 8 years old, factor in the cost of a replacement in the future.

If you have any concerns about your existing home or a home you are purchasing, why not contact the professional team at Plumbspec for a peace of mind maintenance check or quality repairs.

Click Here for more information about PlumbSpec or call 0417 555 325