During a home visit, certain elements deserve to be carefully inspected more than others. This is the case for plumbing which must be subject to a complete check-up to ensure the absence of worrying failures.
What are the elements to check to verify the plumbing?
The plumbing in a house for sale is an element that should not be neglected, because failures are frequent, they can cause you a lot of inconvenience when you move in and, above all, cost you a lot of money in terms of repairs. It is therefore imperative that you carry out a plumbing diagnosis during the visit, taking the time to evaluate different parameters:
– Look at the boiler, and ask in particular to see the purchase invoice as well as the various invoices for maintenance. The boiler must be serviced every year, and its lifespan is generally 10 to 15 years. It must neither produce suspicious noise nor exhibit leaks and maintenance must be regular.
– Check that the home is free of water leaks, as this leads to overconsumption and humidity problems in the long term. To do this, turn on the taps and toilets and first check visually that no leaks are detectable. You can also read the meter at the start of the visit, then compare with the value displayed at the end of the visit. If the two are different even though no one has used the water, you can conclude that leaks are present.
– The gutters must also be the subject of particular attention, so examine their condition: look for possible traces of mold, the presence of traces of infiltration on the ceiling of the accommodation, check that they are in good condition and if it rains on the day of your visit, the water should drain properly.
– Check the sealing of the tile joints, as this sealing limits the risk of infiltration, mold, water damage, etc.
Certain problems related to plumbing can be reclassified as hidden defects and give rise to compensation after the purchase of the home.
What failures are worrying?
During your plumbing inspection, certain failures should alert you and attract your attention, because they may be more worrying than others due to their consequences. This is particularly the case with burst pipes , particularly if the seller has let the problem drag on for a while. This will not only generate significant costs, but also humidity problems which can lead to unsanitary conditions.
In the same vein, a boiler which is more than 15 years old and which shows signs of little or no maintenance, presents the risk of carbon monoxide leaks, which is very dangerous for health. It will therefore be necessary to plan for its replacement immediately after purchase.
The same goes for leaks in buried pipes which not only cause significant water consumption (which can also lead to humidity problems), but also expensive repair costs.
Plumbing: how to estimate the price of repairs?
When it comes to plumbing, repairs can be significant, especially if they accumulate due to several jobs to be carried out. For example, you should plan for the following average prices to renovate the plumbing in a home:
– For the replacement of a boiler , count on €1,200 minimum for a cumulus, but certain larger and more sophisticated boilers can reach €10,000, with an average of €3,000.
– To repair leaks in taps or pipes, plan on €500 to €1,400 if the pipes are buried. A faucet will cost you between €10 and €25 per unit, but you will have to add the price of installation if you call on a professional, around €70 to €90 per faucet to add to the purchase price.
– For the repair of gutters, the price will range between €200 and €1,500 depending on the severity of the failure, the material chosen, the size to be covered and the prices charged by the professional for installation.
But if you want an accurate estimate of the cost of plumbing work in the home you want to buy, schedule a visit with a plumber who will inspect each item one by one and provide you with a quote including all the repairs to be made.
