Buying A New Home? Here’s What You Need to Know About The Plumbing

April 24, 2024
A man and woman are holding keys to their new home.

When it comes to buying or selling a home, plumbing is often an overlooked aspect. However, addressing plumbing issues in existing homes is crucial to ensure the property's safety, functionality, and value. In this blog post, we'll discuss the common issues found in existing homes, provide a plumbing inspection checklist, and emphasize the significance of honest inspections for buyers and sellers.


Common Plumbing Issues in Existing Homes


Sewer Line Inspection

Real estate agents frequently advise buyers to have the sewer line from the street to the home camera’d and inspected. This step is vital as it helps identify any potential blockages, leaks, or damage in the sewer line, preventing costly repairs down the line.


Mechanical Inspection

It's essential to look at all mechanicals of the plumbing system, including pipes, fittings, and fixtures. Inspecting the state of these components, especially in older homes, can uncover issues such as corrosion, leaks, or inadequate water pressure.


Age of Plumbing Appliances

Aging appliances, particularly those over 30 years old, often signal the need for immediate attention. Plumbing fixtures like water heaters, pipes, and faucets may require replacement within five years of purchase to maintain optimal performance and prevent water damage.


Plumbing Checklist When Buying a New Home

To ensure thorough inspection and maintenance of plumbing systems in existing homes, consider the following checklist:

  • Schedule regular sewer line inspections.
  • Check for leaks, corrosion, and water damage around pipes and fixtures.
  • Test water pressure and temperature.
  • Inspect the condition of water heaters, boilers, and other appliances.
  • Look for signs of mold or mildew, which may indicate hidden leaks.
  • Address any plumbing issues promptly to prevent further damage and costly repairs.


The Importance of Honest Inspections

Whether you're buying or selling a home, honesty is key when it comes to plumbing inspections. For buyers, a comprehensive inspection can uncover potential issues, allowing them to make informed decisions and negotiate repairs or replacements as needed. On the other hand, sellers can enhance the marketability of their property by proactively addressing plumbing issues and providing honest disclosures to potential buyers.


Schedule a Plumbing Inspection With Plumb Works

By following a thorough inspection checklist and prioritizing honest assessments, both buyers and sellers can navigate the real estate market with confidence. At Plumb Works, we're committed to providing reliable plumbing services and inspections to ensure the longevity and integrity of your home. Call now at 404-524-1825 or fill out a form to schedule an inspection with us today and take the first step towards a secure and efficient plumbing system in your new house.

storm drain
March 23, 2026
Being proactive remains a key element of a successful business, and it certainly holds true when preparing for the possible devastating effects of stormy season. Spring remains one of the Atlanta area’s rainiest times of the year. According to Weather Spark, the average monthly rainfall from March through May ranges from 3 to 4.6 inches. Heavy spring storms can rain hard on a commercial facility. If unprepared, it can potentially lead to serious problems, causing everything from business downtime to costly repercussions. The following are several heavy rain-related issues that can cast a dark cloud on a commercial building and how to avoid them. Sump Pump: Fighting the Flood When it comes to flooding, stormwater remains a dreaded culprit. Having a properly functioning sump pump can help proactively help fight a flood. A sump pump collects groundwater from around a building’s foundation and pumps it away from the structure, deterring damage. Plumb Works suggests all businesses have one, especially those with a crawlspace or basement. Consult the experts at Plumb Works for sump pump installation, replacement, and preventative maintenance. Protection from Sewer Backups Heavy rains can overload a city’s sewer system. Backwater valves, a specific type of backflow prevention device, protect businesses from sewer backups by allowing wastewater out, but automatically closing to keep sewage from flowing backward. Plumb Works can install, test, and make sure your backwater valve is working properly. The Importance of Storm Drains Commercial storm drains are equipped to drain excess rain and groundwater from the areas surrounding a business, such as parking lots and sidewalks, preventing flooding, damages, and unsafe conditions. Some storm drain systems include a catch basin, which captures stormwater and separates any debris that may have come along with it. Having Plumb Works inspect, clean, and repair storm drains and catch basins can help businesses avoid a flood of unwanted costs. Cutting Out Grease Commercial kitchens require a grease trap, which keeps the plumbing system from being impacted by an overload of grease. If a grease trap isn’t functioning properly, it can have an adverse effect on a plumbing system during heavy rain. Too much grease limits pipe capacity, which can cause heavy rain to overwhelm a system, leading to backups. To avoid this, consult a plumbing professional company like Plumb Works that specializes in grease trap services. Avoiding Clogged Drains Plumbing systems in commercial facilities often fall prey to clogged pipes due to unwanted items being flushed or disposed of down drains. This can further complicate things when a mass amount of rain overwhelms a plumbing system. Businesses experiencing frequent clogs can benefit from hydro jetting. The most effective drain-cleaning solution available, hydro jetting uses high-pressure water jets to blast through clogged drains and restore peak plumbing performance. Schedule hydro jetting in advance of the rainy season to make sure pipes are functioning at their best under any possible pressure. Plumb Works Can Help Protect Your Business During Rainy Season Don’t let your business get washed away due to flooding and sewer backup challenges during the rainy season. Lean on a Plumb Works expert by calling 404-524-1825 or scheduling an appointment online.
An antique shot of the Lenz Building
February 26, 2026
When Lenz, Plumb Works’s long-time marketing agency of record, chose its new headquarters on Decatur Square, they didn’t have to look far for a plumbing partner that could get the job done right — literally right down the street.
Graphic of water tap connected to a heart shape
February 20, 2026
The following are five ways to keep your plumbing system’s heart beating strong all year long.
January 29, 2026
The following are three of the top plumbing resolutions for your home this year.
January 7, 2026
When a busy restaurant experiences a plumbing issue, every minute counts. High water bills, hidden leaks, and unexpected downtime can impact operations and revenue.
December 18, 2025
Recently, Plumb Works had the opportunity to partner on a successful grease trap replacement project for an Atlanta-area Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) restaurant
Handyman and toolbox
December 12, 2025
Business owners and operators can consider the following commercial plumbing calendar to help bypass any issues that might clog your project pipeline.
By Lizzi Skipper November 25, 2025
Nothing puts the cold chill on the festive holiday season like a frozen or burst pipe. Frozen pipes are bad enough, but when they burst, the problem worsens and can easily lead to flood damage requiring costly repairs. This all-too-common occurrence affects an estimated 250,000 homes in America each year. And Georgia may be a hot bed for frozen pipes. According to a State Farm report released in 2023, Georgia topped the list of frozen pipe-related losses at $100 million (from August 2002-August 2023.) Plumb Works remains your go-to source for frozen or burst pipe calls in our service area. However, there are some simple tips you can apply to protect pipes in cold weather and help avoid a house call. Before the thermometer dips below freezing – that’s 32 degrees Fahrenheit – do the following:
Lenz building
October 21, 2025
When Lenz, Plumb Works’s marketing agency of record, moved into its new home, an historic building on the Decatur Square, it didn’t have to look far.
Water heater inspection
October 2, 2025
October is the perfect time for seasonal plumbing maintenance to make sure your water heater is ready to bring the warmth when you need it most.
Show More