Hidden Plumbing Liabilities: What Home Buyers Overlook Before Closing
As Ramblewood Plumbing Company’s master plumber with over 20 years of experience, I’ve witnessed countless home-buyers overlook essential plumbing infrastructure. While aesthetics and location often dominate the decision-making process, neglecting plumbing can turn what seems like “the perfect home” into a costly project. Here are key plumbing checkpoints every prospective homeowner should carefully evaluate before purchasing – straight from the trenches of plumbing service.
1. Ask About the Main Stack and Sewer Lateral
One of the first things I check when called into a home is whether the cast-iron soil stack (the vertical pipe handling waste and venting) has been replaced or is still the original. Old cast iron corrodes and can fail, leading to sewage backup or collapse. Also ask if the sewer lateral – the pipe running from the house to the municipal main – has been inspected or replaced. These are major systems, and if they’re failing or unknown, you could be inheriting a five-figure repair bill.
2. Inspect the Water Supply Lines
Homes built decades ago often have galvanized steel supply lines, or even lead piping. These degrade over time, reducing water pressure and potentially introducing health risks. I always ask: “What material are the water lines?” If they’re galvanized or unknown, plan for repiping. Also check shut-off valves – are they accessible and functioning? A failed shut-off means a minor leak can become a major flood.
3. Review the Water Heater and Expansion Tank Situation
A water heater isn’t just about hot water. If the unit is old, rusting, or lacks an expansion tank (required in many systems now), it’s a liability. A leaking or failing tank can flood your basement, damage your structure, and require not just replacement but upgraded plumbing connections. Ask for its age, maintenance history, and whether it’s correctly installed.
4. Check Sump Pumps and Drainage Around the Foundation
Whether your house has a finished basement or not, proper drainage is critical. I always check whether a sump pump is present, whether it’s been maintained, what is the unit’s age, and how the ground slopes around the house. Water should flow away from the foundation, not toward it. Poor drainage or a failed sump pump can mean chronic basement moisture, mold, or even structural issues. If the sump pump is over 7 years old, plan on replacing it.
5. Test Fixtures, Toilets & Shut-Off Readiness
On a walk-through, test every faucet, flush every toilet, and listen for running water when everything’s turned off. Leaky toilets or continuously running systems waste water and suggest wear or hidden damage. Also ask: Can you easily shut off water to major sections of the house? In the event of a burst pipe, you’ll want to act quickly. Accessibility to shut-offs matters.
Why This Matters
Buying a home is likely the biggest investment you’ll make. While it’s easy to focus on flooring, paint color, or landscaping, plumbing often lurks behind walls and below slabs – out of view but potentially catastrophic in cost. At Ramblewood, we’ve seen many homeowners call us years later with problems that were present at purchase but unaddressed. We want you to step into a home prepared, not into one that holds hidden liabilities. As the website states: “Educate yourself on infrastructure costs to a home and what it takes to fix it to avoid costly repairs after purchasing.”
A proactive review by a qualified plumber can give you negotiating power and peace of mind.
Final Advice
Before you sign the papers:
Hire a licensed plumber to do a full plumbing inspection—better safe than sorry.
Ask the seller about the plumbing history: updated systems, service records.
Factor any identified repairs into your purchase budget or negotiate them upfront.
Walk the property during or after rain to check for drainage issues or leaks.
Get all shut-off valves identified and labeled so you’re ready in an emergency.
Think of Ramblewood Plumbing not just as repair technicians, but as your pre-purchase protection team. With the right plumbing in place, your home will be a source of pride and comfort—not surprise headaches. We offer whole home plumbing inspections for your future investment. Call or email to schedule one today.
