Addressing Plumbing Issues Before Listing a Property

You must make many decisions when planning to list a property for sale. Should you enlist the help of an agent or handle the process yourself? Should you update the home or leave it as is? What, if anything, needs repair before potential buyers come knocking? Depending on the structure's age, several issues may need attention, like the plumbing. While you can sell a property with problems, there are a few reasons why you should reconsider.

Why You Should Fix Up Your Property Before Listing

Better Sale Price

When knowledgeable buyers tour the property, they'll be looking for defects. Once an issue is discovered, the buyer has more power at the bargaining table. To avoid these challenges, consider addressing your home's plumbing before listing. In some instances, you can fix the problem yourself without spending much money.

Less Time on the Market

Some buyers want a fixer-upper, but many want a move-in-ready property. There are no guarantees on a quick sale, but well-maintained plumbing will help your odds. Whether it's a quick fix or requires a professional plumber, address it before listing. Issues like an aging water heater, leaks, and low water pressure might mean your property sits on the market for a long time.

Avoid Holding Up the Sale

After finding a buyer and starting the sale process, a home inspection can bring everything to a halt. At this point, you'll have to address the concerns and make repairs before finalizing the deal. Plumbing issues like leaks can cause water damage, wood rot, and mold. Also, with a home inspection contingency in the contract, buyers can back out of the sale following a negative inspection.

Plumbing Issues to Address

Sinks and Toilets

A common area that experiences leaks is around sinks and toilets. A slight drip from a loose pipe can often create standing water, mold, and wood rot over time. Inspect underneath the sink and around the toilet to check for any signs of water damage or active leaking. If you have a toilet that runs, you’ll want to check the components in the tank. If everything seems to be in working order, but the problem persists, you should consider contacting a plumber for assistance. You should consider hiring a plumber experienced in leak detection because an undetected leak can cause damage to drywall, ceilings and floors.

Water Pressure

Good water pressure is something every buyer looks for in a property. When touring the property, potential buyers may test the pressure to ensure there are no issues. The problem could be corrected by a basic pipe cleaning that knocks down build-up. If the issue is more serious, a qualified plumber can use more powerful tools to help increase outflow. In some cases, the problem could require re-piping due to aging material or improper installation.

Old Water Heater

Water heaters typically have a lifespan of around ten years and can be costly to replace. Buyers will want to know they won't have to buy a new water heater shortly after moving in. Inspect the area around the unit and look for leaks or corrosion. Test the hot water output for adequate temperature during typical usage. While the investment in a new unit can be expensive, it will benefit the sale of the property. A new water heater gives buyers peace of mind and could make a difference in their decision to buy.