A home is a huge investment for most people, and home buyers shop carefully to find homes that appeal to them in different ways. Don’t be surprised if a potential buyer asks about any residential plumbing services you have done recently. Even better, have a list of things that were covered on your home plumbing inspection, and go over them as you show the house. You want to get the most value for the property, and some simple plumbing services will help you sell for better prices.
1. Residential Plumbing Inspections
Getting a home plumbing inspection is one of the most important residential plumbing services to get before putting your home on the market. It provides prospective buyers with a sense of assurance that the home is well-cared for and in good condition. And while a home plumbing inspection is not required by law in most states, it is a great way to boost the asking price.
Residential plumbing contractors will give your plumbing system a complete evaluation, from looking for problems with septic systems to checking for leaks and slow-moving drains. Since home plumbing is inspected by licensed plumbers, any problems that are discovered can be repaired right away.
2. Septic Pump-Out
Knowing that the septic tank is newly emptied is another item that can lead to a faster or more profitable sale. Since this only needs to be done at long intervals, home buyers will immediately see the benefit of having plenty of time before they need to worry about their private sewer system. The process only takes a few minutes, and experienced contractors won’t leave a mess all over your property as some fly-by-night companies may do. Depending on your local laws, you may be required to get a pump-out before putting your home on the market.
Rooter service is one of the most common residential plumbing services, but not every plumber has the equipment to perform a septic pump-out. Because of the special equipment required, some companies avoid the added investment. Look for established plumbing contractors that feature household plumbing repair and rooter service.
3. On-Demand Hot Water
Tankless water heaters have become popular in recent years, and make an affordable plumbing upgrade that new buyers will love. On-demand water heaters are installed in your hot water line, typically beneath a counter or above a ceiling. This eliminates the need for a special water heater closet, and that can be a big plus for home sales as it provides extra space that can be repurposed for other uses.
Without a huge storage tank, tankless water heaters usually outlast conventional systems by 10 years or more. And since they have very few parts that can fail, tankless systems require much less maintenance and upkeep over the years. For many people, however, the biggest attraction for tankless water hears is the fact that they can save anywhere from 10 to 50 percent on your energy bills. For large homes, you can install tankless heaters at heavy-use points to assure the family of always having hot water when they turn the knob.
Even if you choose to stay with a tanked water heater, keep in mind that they are rated for around 10 or 12 years before they should be replaced. Replacing the ones in your home and then listing new water heaters as a selling point will increase buyer interest and appeal.
4. Trenchless Sewer Replacement
Like on-demand hot water, trenchless sewers are growing in popularity because they can be done quickly and unobtrusively. If you have to make sewer repairs before your house sells, trenchless systems won’t destroy your landscaping or leave long scars across drives and walkways. If the sewer lines being replaced are beneath the home or run under any large slabs or paved areas, trenchless sewer repair is a more affordable solution to consider.
As the name implies, trenchless sewer repair and replacement is ideal for areas that would be severely damaged by digging a ditch. Trenchless begins by digging an opening at each end of the line to be repaired and then using special equipment to bore from one to another. If you consider a situation where the sewer line extends all the way across your basement it is easy to see how 2 openings saves time, money, and resources.
5. Repair Sinks and Drains
Don’t underestimate the power of minor plumbing repairs showing big returns. Shiny new drain covers installed after professional drain cleaning creates an aesthetically pleasing appearance that buyers will take note of. But the visual aspects are only the beginning of how your sinks and drains can affect the sale. Make sure that the drains are working properly and that there aren’t any leaks under sinks, in the water heater pan, or around tubs and toilets. Faulty plumbing can literally make or break a home sale, so take a little time and bring in licensed contractors to get everything in top condition.
Professional plumbers can handle everything from replacing tubs and showers to installing a new dishwasher to modernizing kitchens and bathrooms. You do not have to renovate before selling your house, but minor alterations can lead to big increases in home value and buyer appeal. Additionally, newly installed appliances like tubs or toilets have their own manufacturer warranties that mean years of trouble-free living, and everyone needs less stress in their lives.
Plumbing is a necessary part of modern living, and you won’t get much for a home that has decayed cabinets beneath the sinks, strange odors in the laundry room, or perpetually wet spots near your septic system. For a relatively small investment, home plumbers can repair anything that isn’t working, install new appliances where they are needed, or spruce up kitchens and bathrooms with a bright new look.
Always research your contractors before you hire them. Look at online reviews, check with the local Better Business Bureau, and always insist on contractors that are licensed and insured. Not only are unlicensed contractors breaking the law, but hiring them introduces the possibility of the project not turning out as planned.
Ehret Co. Plumbing & Heating
Ehret Co. Plumbing & Heating provides 24/7 household plumbing services for homes and multifamily buildings. We pride ourselves on our professional and quality work. Contact us through our online contact form or call us at 510-528-4292 for residential plumbing services any time, any day of the week.