Plumbing Inspection in Rochester, MN

Home Inspectors Rochester MN | Plumbing Inspection (507) 721-0922

Buying a home can be a daunting task. Not only will you need to get all your finances in order to secure the funds you need, but you will also want to have confidence that you are buying a sound investment. Many home buyers take care to see that the building is structurally sound, but there could be potentially costly problems lurking beneath the surface in the form of plumbing issues. So before you sign on the dotted line, it is important to get a plumbing inspection.

A thorough plumbing inspection involves an inspection of the installations under the building slab including the water supply pipes and sewer lines. This can be checked with a visual inspection, where the certified technician can performs an assessment to see if there are any structural problems or accumulations of debris, which could cause a problem. The inspection will also include a visual assessment of the system above the floor. A pressure test will also be performed, to check if the property is suffering from low water pressure. Low water pressure can indicate an undetected water leak or blockage and cause issues such with showers and water using appliances.

A plumbing inspection can offer a number of benefits before you buy a home. It can identify a myriad of issues from corroded or damaged pipes, to slab leaks. Major plumbing issues cannot only prompt a huge repair bill, but can cause significant damage throughout the home.

Performing a plumbing inspection before you buy the home will provide an opportunity to have any major issues addressed before closing escrow. This means that you will still have the option to walk away from the property if a major issue is diagnosed. Alternatively, you will be in a strong position to renegotiate with the existing homeowner, so that the cost of the necessary repairs can be worked into the final sales price.

Getting a thorough inspection of your potential new home conducted before you close escrow is one of the most important things a home buyer can do. This will allow you to have a clear picture of what you are getting into before you sign on the dotted line.

Home Inspectors Rochester MN | Home Inspection 507-721-0922

Common Plumbing Issues in Rochester, MN Homes

Rochester homes span more than a century of construction, and each era brings its own plumbing challenges. Homes built before the 1960s often contain galvanized steel pipes that corrode from the inside out, restricting water flow and eventually causing leaks. Properties built between the late 1970s and mid-1990s may have polybutylene supply lines, a plastic piping material that is prone to sudden failure and is no longer approved by most building codes. Our plumbing inspection identifies the type of piping throughout the home and flags materials that pose a risk of failure.

Rochester's water supply is notably hard, with high mineral content that accelerates sediment buildup inside water heaters, reduces the efficiency of plumbing fixtures, and leaves deposits in supply lines over time. During a plumbing inspection, our home inspector tests water pressure at multiple fixtures, evaluates drain flow rates, inspects all visible pipes for corrosion or leaks, checks shut-off valve operation, and examines the water heater for proper function and safety.

Well Water and Rural Property Considerations

Many properties in the greater Rochester area and surrounding Olmsted County communities rely on private wells rather than municipal water. A plumbing inspection on a well-fed home includes evaluation of the pressure tank, pressure switch, and visible well components in addition to standard interior plumbing. We recommend pairing your plumbing inspection with a sewer scope inspection, which uses a camera to examine the main sewer line for root intrusion, bellying, cracks, and other defects that are invisible during a standard visual assessment. This combination gives you the most complete picture of a home's plumbing health. Call (507) 721-0922 to schedule your plumbing inspection in Rochester, MN.