House Hunting? Don’t Let Plumbing Problems Sneak Up on You
Looking for a new home? It’s exciting—until that little voice in your head starts whispering: What if something’s wrong behind the walls?
You’re not alone. One of the biggest question marks when buying a house is the plumbing. It’s not flashy, and it’s not easy to see, but when goes wrong, it can hit your wallet fast. Here’s what we recommend checking out before you fall head-over-heels for that dream kitchen.
Ask About the Plumbing Historysomething
Not every seller is going to give you the full plumbing story upfront. So you’ve got to ask. How old is the home? When was the last time the water heater was replaced? If it’s 12+ years old, assume it’ll need swapping out soon.
If the house is pushing 25 years or more, you’ll want to ask about the sewer line materials. A lot of older homes still have clay, iron, or concrete pipes underground. These are more prone to cracking, tree root invasion, and full-on collapse over time. PVC? That’s what you want to hear. It holds up better and resists root intrusion.
Don’t be shy—ask if they’ve had issues with sewer backups or clogged drains. A little discomfort in the conversation now could save you from a financial headache later.
Get That Sewer Line Checked—Seriously
Most people assume a home inspection will catch everything. Not true. Home inspectors rarely check sewer lines unless you specifically request it. Why? Well, the equipment’s expensive, and not all inspectors have it.
But here’s the deal: a camera inspection could save you thousands. It usually runs between $200–$500 and gives you a clear picture of what’s going on underground. At My Georgia Plumber, we do them all the time, especially for buyers who want peace of mind before closing.
If something’s wrong with the line, you want to know before you sign.
Basements Can Be Trouble—Here’s What to Ask
Does the house have a basement? Ask if it’s ever flooded. Then ask why.
Some sellers may mention “just a little water” once or twice, but that could mean there’s a bigger issue—especially if there’s no sump pump or backflow preventer. Those are two must-haves for any basement-level living space.
And if there is a sump pump, ask how old it is and when it was last replaced. These systems are great when they work—but not if they’re outdated or poorly maintained.
Final Thoughts
Buying a house is a big deal. You’re not just picking a layout you like—you’re investing in a structure that needs to work for years to come. And plumbing problems? They don’t always show up until after the papers are signed.
So be thorough. Ask questions. Get the inspections that matter. And if you want to be sure everything’s in good shape before you commit, give us a call.
At My Georgia Plumber, we help buyers all over North Georgia make smarter, safer home decisions. Call 770-592-0081 to book a sewer camera inspection or ask us what else to look out for when buying a home. We’ll help you make sure your dream home isn’t hiding a plumbing nightmare.
