There’s nothing like selling a home to make you realize how much you’ve learned to live with. Prospective buyers see every little fault, and can use them as negotiating points to lower the home’s price.
Here are some common plumbing problems that should be addressed before selling the home:
Leaking Pipes: During a pre-sale inspection, the home inspector will look for any wet or damp areas. These can indicate an issue with leaking pipes. Wet or damp areas are the ideal environment for mold growth – and mold is one of the top deal-killers in the real estate world.
NYC Plumbing Services: Get Your Home Ready for Sale!
Lead Pipes: This is primarily an issue for older NYC homes, such as the original brownstones. By law, a seller is required to disclose the presence of lead pipes in the property if they exist. Replacing lead piping – whether this is done before or after the sale – is a job for a licensed NYC plumber.
Faucets That Don’t Work: If no water comes out when you turn the tap, that’s a problem. Even seldom used faucets, such as outdoor hose spigots, need to be operating properly when the house is on the market.
Toilets that Don’t Flush: Toilets should flush quickly and completely every time. If they don’t, have NYC plumbing services perform drain cleaning and other necessary repairs.
Water Pressure: A good home inspector will run the shower for several minutes to gauge the home’s water pressure. Ideally, your home’s water pressure should be between 60 and 80 psi. If you’re not in that range, have a master plumber address the situation – especially if the home’s water pressure is over 80 psi!
Is This Issue Worth Fixing?
Real estate is complicated. In our opinion, plumbing problems should always be fixed. Do they need to be fixed by you, in advance of the sale? We recommend consulting with your plumber – to get the costs of the fix – and your real estate agent – to gauge the impact on sales price – before making your choices.
