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Booking A Plumber Inspection When Buying A New Home | Jacksonville, FL

Posted on by Justin Lucas
Photo By MartinPrescott at istock

When buying a home in Jacksonville, FL you’ll typically book a general home inspector to investigate the property condition. While they may take a cursory look at the plumbing, it’s much better to book a dedicated plumber inspection. It takes numerous years to be qualified in the plumbing trade and know what to look for during inspections, and a general home inspector may not understand the nuances of home plumbing. For example, you may discover after you move in that a drain line has improper installation or issues with the water heater that the general home inspection didn’t identify before the sale. You’d consider booking electrical inspections, roof inspections, and even checking the insulation, so it’s essential to consider plumbing inspections too.

One of the reasons it’s crucial to book a plumber to inspect your potential property is because you’ll find some investors are buying FL properties and fixing them up on the cheap to maximize profit during a sale. If the home was a foreclosure or no one has been living in it for a long time, areas such as drain lines and sewer lines may be suffering from neglect. Getting a plumbing inspection could also lower the cost of buying your property. If a plumbing inspector highlights an issue and you feel comfortable going ahead with the house purchase, you can use it to negotiate a lower price. Before the sale, it’s the seller’s responsibility to pay for fixing any plumbing issues. Once you’ve completed the buying process, then the costs will fall squarely on your shoulders.

Thankfully, a plumber can utilize a wide range of modern technology to scout out problem areas in a potential home purchase. Even within the last fifty years, plumbing technology has vastly improved. Many plumbing tasks that were once time-consuming and costly are now much quicker and cheaper to resolve. Fifty years ago, if a drain or sewer line clogged up, an ordinary solution was to dig up the pipe and then fix or unclog it by hand. Now, with the widespread use of fiber optics, CCTV, and flexible, waterproof cameras, a plumbing company can inspect the inside of pipes without any digging.

Types of Home Plumbing Inspections

You can book a wide variety of plumber inspections, including:

  • Full home inspections
  • Drain inspections
  • Drain line inspections
  • Main line inspections
  • Kitchen inspections
  • Bathroom inspections

You can book an inspection to focus on specific sections of the house. However, if you’re buying a Jacksonville, FL, home, you will benefit most from a complete home inspection. Homes in Florida are often expensive, which means you could also be facing expensive repairs if you don’t highlight issues ASAP. To avoid potentially being stuck with unexpected costly repairs soon after a house purchase, book a plumbing company to do a whole house inspection and highlight any issues beforehand so you can be fully prepared.

What’s Included in a Plumbing Inspection

Once you’ve decided to book a home plumbing inspection, it’s time to tick off what investigations will cover. One of the first, likely obvious, components of a home plumbing inspection is to check for leaks. Some leaks are so small that average homebuyers may not be able to identify them at a glance. A plumbing company can use specialist tools, such as listening discs, ground microphones, fiber-optic video inspection equipment, thermal imaging, and soil probes. These tools are an unnecessary expense for a homebuyer making a single purchase, but a professional will often have all of these tools readily available.

Visual inspections are par for the course when you book a plumbing company to investigate your home’s plumbing. Not only will leaks be detected, but plumbers will search and identify dampness, mold growth, and other problematic symptoms of water damage. The professional doing your home plumbing inspection can advise what’s causing it, as well as its severity and how to fix the issue. Leak inspections don’t just apply to the interior either. Sewer pipe inspections and main water line inspections can help warn homeowners of potentially hazardous leaks in the future.

Plumbing professionals can also check water pressure during a home inspection. Low water pressure can be an indicator of internal corrosion and pipes that may need replacing. High water pressure could lead to spontaneous holes, and the sooner a plumbing company identifies incorrect water pressure, the quicker you can address the issue. Plumbing professionals will check pressure relief valves linked to water heaters to ensure they’re installed correctly and are the correct type. Without the correct valve, a water heater can burst. Luckily, plumbers will inspect all forms of water heaters, including conventional storage tank heaters, on-demand tankless water heaters, hybrid water heaters, and more.

In the bathroom, all fixtures and fittings are checked for broken or deteriorating parts. In particular, toilets, sinks, and bathtubs receive special attention as these can cause extreme damage when broken. Generally speaking, a traditional home inspector surveying real estate up for sale will only check if water runs from taps, drains run clear, and toilets flush. However, bathrooms often require technical knowledge to know if the plumbing is up to code.

During any dedicated plumbing inspection, a plumbing professional will thoroughly investigate your home’s plumbing. Professionals will also look at shut-off valves, sump pumps and discharge, kitchen and laundry room drainage and venting, traps under each sink, and all above-ground plumbing.

How to Book a Plumber Inspection with Bert Norman

Bert Norman’s Plumbing is family-owned, state-certified plumbing business established in 1985. Through years of experience, our plumbers have learned to utilize modern plumbing inspection techniques, meet all safety protocols, and help you identify, resolve, and avoid a variety of plumbing issues that might crop up in your new home.

Even if you’ve already recently purchased your home, it’s not too late to book a plumbing inspection. Bert Norman specializes in fast, friendly plumbing inspections for all Jacksonville, FL communities, including Riverside, downtown, north Jacksonville, and the surrounding areas. Request a professional plumbing inspection by calling at any time or submit a request online. Plumbers at Bert Norman are available 24/7/365.

Why You Need Plumbing Inspection Services Before Purchasing A Home: Insight From Your Plumber | Jacksonville, FL

Posted on by Justin Lucas
Photo By By kurhan at Shutterstock

Multiple people find purchasing a residential property as a good investment. However, potential home buyers might fail to conduct a thorough inspection of the things that make the home run efficiently, including the plumbing. A full-scale plumbing inspection is a primary aspect of the home that a buyer should be keen on before sealing the deal. Hiring a professional plumber to handle future repairs may be expensive in the long run, and you may end up getting frustrated.

It’s quite common for a plumbing contractor to make mistakes when connecting the sewer systems, which can be quite stressful when you move in. Why not get a seasoned plumber to check every fixture in your home and ensure they are operational to avoid plumbing headaches in the future? Below are the reasons you need a plumbing inspection before purchasing a house.

Identify the presence of water leaks

Before moving into your new home it’s advisable to be on the lookout for any water leaks. Water leaks are a nuisance since they involve water wastage, which in turn increases your utility bills. Leaks can also destroy your walls and cause mold growth that can be harmful to your health. They often fill the sewer system faster than expected, causing an entire problem that needs an urgent fix.

A certified plumber can conduct a thorough inspection of the sewage waste system and freshwater supply pipes to ensure there is no leakage. In-slab and sewer leaks can cost you thousands of dollars to repair if you do not detect issues at an early stage. Don’t forget to have a professional inspect the bathroom flooring since it is easier to identify any leakage by checking the texture and condition of the floors.

Additionally, you can check on the kitchen cabinets to see if there is a sign of moisture or mold. Open the faucets to ensure the water is not discolored or smelly. And if any problems need fixing, your seller can work on them, or you can negotiate a lower purchase price to fix the issues on your own. That will go a long way in preserving the coziness of your future home.

Check the condition of the water heater

Water heaters are a lifesaver, especially when it is time to take a hot bath or shower after a long day of work. Having your local Jacksonville, FL, plumber inspect the condition of your water heater should be top of the list before buying a new home. They can scrutinize the appliance for any evidence of corrosion on the exterior of the pipes. Be on the lookout for a manufacturer’s sticker on the heater so you can have an idea of when it was manufactured and assembled. A heater that is more than ten years old may need replacement sooner since it may not be in perfect condition.

You should also check the size of the water heater and whether it can satisfy the hot water needs of your household. A seasoned technician can guide you on the process. Additionally, ask your local professional to check for the presence of a drain pan or flood stop that prevents serious damage in case of a leak.

Examine the state of the sewer

The sewage system is a crucial aspect of any home since it collects all the household waste. A poorly maintained sewage system can lead to leaks, which can be detrimental to your family’s health. It can also cause your new home to have a foul smell since the waste is not passing through the pipes correctly. A seasoned plumber should be able to diagnose any clogs in the pipes and leakages from the septic tank. They can also ensure that the septic tank is in the right position and in the right size to handle all your household waste.

With expert help, you should be on the lookout for any broken pipes, damaged sump pump, and poor installation of the sewage system that can cause a backup. Also, you should ensure that no trees or plants are growing close to the sewage system since the roots may end up damaging the underlying pipes. A certified professional can come up with a detailed plumbing inspection report that will help you decide if the system is in perfect condition.

Check the water pressure

Low water pressure can be annoying, especially if you have a large family that requires the use of water quite often. It might make your daily activities such as doing laundry and showering frustrating and time-consuming. Low water pressure may be hard to detect at first, and only a thorough plumbing inspection can identify any underlying problems. There could be debris and mineral build-up in the pipes, which end up creating a blockage in your home’s plumbing and subsequently low flow of water. Also, leakages may lower the water pressure since it’s being channeled in the wrong direction.

It’s only through a thorough inspection of plumbing pipes that you can detect clogs. Tagging your plumber along during the inspection can help you identify water supply problems, including any underlying leakage from the pipes. There may also be an issue with the municipal water supply in the area, causing the water to have minimum pressure. A professional plumber will help you pinpoint the exact cause of your woes and provide a lasting solution. You wouldn’t want to be stuck with a new home whose taps cannot provide enough water, will you?

Scrutinize the foundation of the sinks and toilets

It is vital to inspect the toilets and sinks since you probably use them more than any other fixtures in the house. A clogged toilet or sink can give you sleepless nights since they may have a foul odor. During an open house, most sellers tend to clean up the property, so it might be difficult to know if there is an underlying issue.

A clogged toilet or sink can be due to poor installation or maintenance, blocked pipes, or damage to the fixtures. Water leakage may also destroy the quality of the sink or toilet, causing it to rot with time. A plumbing inspection from a certified plumber will help you know if there is an issue with the toilets or sink. You can then request for the sellers to fix the problems or bargain a fair home purchase price that caters to the repair costs.

Trust the experts; we are one call away

Founded in 1985, Bert Norman’s Plumbing is a state-certified and family-owned business that provides quality plumbing services to residents in and around Jacksonville, FL. We have professional and experienced plumbers who are keen on delivering top-notch services, without compromising the personalized and detailed attention you require. We can work on a detailed inspection of your water supply and disposal system to prevent serious problems like leakages or stoppages. Be sure to give us a call, and we will strive to satisfy your needs.

9 Advantages of Plumbing Inspections by a Trusted Plumber | Jacksonville, FL

Posted on by bertnorman

A well-maintained plumbing system ensures you have access to clean water. 9-Advantages-of-Plumbing-Inspections-by-a-Trusted-Plumber-_-Jacksonville,-FLA plumbing inspection by a professional is recommended to ensure you continue to have access to top-quality water. Regular inspections offer several benefits, not least of which is a lower risk of significant plumbing emergencies. A simple thing like a plumbing inspection can help to prevent a multitude of issues, as even a small leak can cause damage to your property.

Compared to fifty years ago, plumbing inspections are much less intrusive. There’s no digging, and modern technology such as flexible, waterproof, fiber-optic cameras used by Bert Norman Plumbing means that it’s possible to find any potential issues within your plumbing system quickly. If you’re worried about the intrusiveness of any inspections, a friendly Jacksonville, FL plumber from Bert Norman can put you at ease, and discuss any services that you require.

Plumbing inspections are a preventative measure that should be regularly carried out by a licensed plumber to ensure that a plumbing system is working as it should and that no plumbing issues present will cause more significant problems down the line. It’s not just about finding leaking pipes, systems are checked for several complications.

Jacksonville, FL plumbing inspectors will undertake the following:

  • Drain inspections
  • Kitchen plumbing inspections, including water flow and clog checks
  • Bathroom plumbing inspections, including running toilets
  • Mainline plumbing inspections, including clog checks using a drain camera
  • Drain line plumbing inspections
  • Water pressure checks
  • Fixtures, supply lines, and drain water flow checks
  • Old pipe inspections
  • Washing appliance checks
  • Air filtration system checks
  • Shut off valve inspections

As the saying goes, prevention is better than a cure, and a comprehensive plumbing inspection by a Jacksonville, FL plumber offers many advantages. Detecting a problem before it becomes a severe issue is a less expensive way to ensure the following:

  1. Improved Water Flow

Regularly maintained plumbing systems would typically be free of leaks, deposit buildups that may cause clogs, and other plumbing issues, thereby enabling your water flow to operate at peak level consistently. Preventative maintenance inspections by a plumber will clear any buildups that could cause slower water flow and improve water flow in systems that previously fell into disrepair.

  1. Reduced Water Bills

The water wasted by leaking pipes, running toilets, and washing appliances, will result in higher utility bills. A comprehensive inspection undertaken by a professional plumber will highlight any plumbing issues and fix the root cause of any wastage. This lowers your water bill to a level appropriate to water you’re typically using day-to-day in your Jacksonville, FL home.

  1. Longer Lifespan of Plumbing Systems

Regular inspections help your pipes to be leak-free and clog-free, which in turn makes them longer lasting. There’s no additional stress on your plumbing system, as pipes are not supporting the weight or destructive effect of mineral deposits and clogs. Detecting problems in their early stages prevents mineral deposits from having long-term effects on your plumbing system. A plumber can also improve the lifespan of water heaters and fixtures other than pipes.

  1. Fewer Repairs

Expensive plumbing repairs are often the result of smaller issues left unattended. Regular maintenance helps to reduce the likelihood of more costly repairs, as minor clogs and leaking pipes will be fixed in their infancy during plumbing inspections. Before they cause any real damage, Bert Norman Plumbing can highlight and remove any issues that could warrant more substantial repairs in the future.

  1. Fewer Plumbing Emergencies

The root cause of most plumbing emergencies is the buildup of hidden problems. Clogged drains that cause flooding can be devastatingly destructive, causing water leaks through ceilings that may affect electrics and damp carpets that need professional attention to clean thoroughly. They’re not only expensive to fix, considering all of the associated damages they can cause, they’re also inconvenient. The preventative nature of plumbing inspections helps to avoid situations like these.

  1. Increased Efficiency

An expert plumber can not only point out any problem areas within your existing system, but they can upgrade faulty fixtures to newer technology that can increase the efficiency of your home. More modern fixtures will improve water flow, and they can help your home to consume less energy, making your home more efficient.

  1. Healthier Water System

Ensuring a water tank is kept clean, and that pipes are free of mineral buildup will ensure that water quality is the best that it can be for your area. A plumbing inspection can eliminate any bacteria that can harm your health and remove the likelihood of standing water becoming a breeding ground for mold. Getting a plumbing service provider to inspect your water tanks, conduct checks, and implement minor fixes can go a long way to creating a water supply that’s healthy to drink.

  1. Better Air Quality

A knock-on effect that a leak from a faucet, pipe, or other fixture in your home can have on your home is that it increases the presence of mold and mildew. Mold likes to live in damp conditions and standing water caused by leaks are a prime breeding ground for it. Mold and mildew can hurt air quality in homes and be especially problematic for anyone that has asthma or other lung conditions. A plumbing company can improve the air quality in your home by fixing any leaks that are causing mold or mildew.

  1. Safer Home

Regular inspections of plumbing fixtures can avoid potentially harmful accidents. Ill-maintained water heaters experiencing excess pressure can cause scalding hot steam and water. Regularly maintaining your plumbing and water heating systems will make your home much safer.

Conclusion

It’s better to be proactive when it comes to your home’s plumbing than be reactive when a large-scale accident occurs. It’s much cheaper to employ a licensed, bonded, and insured plumber from Bert Norman’s Plumbing to undertake regular inspections than it is to hire a plumber to fix a large-scale problem caused by a slab leak, malfunctioning water heater, or a clogged drain.

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