Some problems are easy to spot. Peeling paint. Cracked driveways. A broken step on the front porch. But few things have the power to kill a real estate deal faster and with less warning than plumbing pitfalls. A house can check every box on a buyer’s wish list, only to unravel during inspection due to an aging sewer line or a water heater on its last breath. And sellers often have no idea anything’s wrong until the deal starts slipping away.
5 Plumbing Pitfalls to Consider
Here’s a list of five plumbing pitfalls that could derail a home purchase. So if you’re a home seller, make sure these are tackled prior to listing your house for sale.
1. Old Pipes, Unseen Problems
Older homes often come with aging plumbing systems that may no longer meet current standards. Galvanized steel pipes, once a common choice, corrode over time from the inside out. While they may still appear solid on the surface, years of buildup can reduce water pressure, restrict flow, and eventually lead to failure. Copper pipes are longer lasting but are not immune to pinhole leaks caused by acidic water or subpar installation.
2. Sewer Lines
Most homeowners have no clue about the condition of their sewer line because problems remain out of sight until the backup happens. During due diligence, smart buyers hire professionals to conduct a sewer camera inspection. What gets revealed on that video feed can make or break the deal. Cracks, root intrusion, or even a slight misalignment in the pipe can be enough to shift buyer confidence.
3. Drainage and Grading Issues
While plumbing refers to the fixtures and pipes inside, external drainage plays a crucial role in preventing water damage. Improper grading around the foundation or poorly functioning gutters can cause water to pool around the base of a house. Over time, that leads to foundation cracks, basement moisture, and even mold.
A dry basement during a showing does not mean it stays that way year-round. Inspectors look for water stains, musty smells, and signs of patchwork fixes. If a drainage issue has been ignored for years, correcting it could require costly excavation or structural work.
4. Leaks That Speak Louder Than Words
Small leaks seem minor until they indicate bigger issues. A bit of moisture under a bathroom sink could point to a loose fitting. Or it could hint at pipe corrosion behind the wall. Water stains on ceilings or walls often tell stories of past leaks that were patched cosmetically without addressing the root cause. A single sign of moisture damage can trigger questions about insurance claims, past repairs, and potential future costs. If answers aren’t clear and reassuring, trust starts to erode.
5. Water Heaters and Functional Lifespan
Another silent deal killer is the water heater. Most buyers will ask the age of the unit. If it’s more than ten years old and shows rust or leaks, that’s a cost they’ll factor into their offer. And if the water heater isn’t large enough for the size of the home, especially in multi-bathroom properties, it can raise red flags. A smart seller will have documentation ready or consider replacing an aging water heater before listing the home.
Being Prepared
Hidden plumbing issues have a way of surfacing at the worst possible time, usually during inspection or shortly after an offer has been accepted. In cities with older housing, like those relying on plumbing in Alton, these risks are even more pronounced. Sellers who get ahead of the problem by investing in pre-listing inspections, proactive repairs, or transparent disclosures can avoid the last-minute surprises that unravel deals.
Real estate transactions are complex enough without hidden water issues adding friction. The smartest path is the cleanest one, literally and figuratively. Buyers want clarity, not guesswork. And plumbing has a way of making intentions very clear. For more information, look over the accompanying resource.
