Interior Plumbing One of the biggest systems a home inspector will check is the water heater, ensuring that it's the right size, free of damage, and properly vented and producing hot water. If you have a well on your property, a home inspector will test the well water too.
So it's one of those non-negotiables. We want to make sure that it's right. As we move around the water heater, you'll also notice that there's going to be some gas controls. Good home inspectors will turn that thermostat up, remember what the original setting was, and let the system run.
Inspection of water heaters is an essential part of the FHA appraisal guidelines for water heaters. An appraiser needs to know that the heating system should be inspected by an inspector and the report documented.
Well, it depends on the issue. But for the most part, you should call a licensed plumber for all hot water heater problems.
Having a professional give it a regular tuneup will cost between $100 and $500, including a drain and flush, inspection for corrosion or leaks, cleaning parts like the burner, and testing parts like valves and water composition. Tankless water heater maintenance costs are close to regular tank water heaters.
Hot water heater replacement is typically excluded from your homeowners insurance coverage unless it breaks as a result of a covered peril, such as a house fire or hurricane. Because of this, it's often recommended to purchase extended warranties on expensive home appliances that you hope to last a long time.
Water damage can be the most expensive of all the major issues a home inspection may encounter because it can cause so much damage.
According to some industry professionals, around 1 in 10 home sales fall through after the inspection. This statistic can vary regionally and depend on factors such as the age of the homes in the area. But nationally, about 10-15% of buyers decide to walk away from a purchase contract because of inspection findings.
Common Home Inspection Deal-Breakers
Inspectors look for curling, broken, or missing shingles, which may indicate the need for repair or replacement. Rotten wood, uneven areas, or water stains inside the house could point to deeper issues, like leaks or poor installation.
Some building codes may require a licensed plumber to perform a gas line pressure check and provide a certificate of compliance, while in other cases the building inspector may perform the check themselves.
An example of improper communication would be asking an appraiser to provide a valuation that matches the asking price of a particular home. Another example could be telling an appraiser he or she will not receive future assignments if the appraisal does not facilitate a transaction.”
CERTIFICATION: Seller represents that the Property, as of the Close Of Escrow, will be in compliance with Health and Safety Code §19211 by having the water heater(s) braced, anchored or strapped in place, in accordance with those requirements.
A few examples: A VA/FHA appraiser will check a faucet to see if the home has hot water. They will not examine the date of manufacture of the water heater or check to see if the water heater is properly installed.
A water heater inspection will include checking the pressure relief valve on water heaters with tanks. A hot water tank is under a lot of pressure. Sometimes, that pressure can become too great. The pressure relief valve vents off excess pressure to ensure the tank doesn't rupture or explode.
Plumbing – The plumbing inspection includes a check for visible leaks, functioning faucets, shower heads and toilets, and to ensure the exposed pipes are not damaged or dangerously outdated.
Essentially yes, you can always negotiate after a home inspection but whether or not the seller will agree to your negotiations is another matter.
Homes inspections are done on behalf of the buyer to give them an out if needed, so sellers usually cannot legally back out of the sale after a home inspection. In rare cases, sellers could be uncooperative and push the buyer into backing out after the home inspection to get out of the contract themselves.
Yes, it's completely normal to feel nervous about a home inspection, whether you're buying or selling a property. For buyers, a home inspection is a crucial step in the purchasing process that can reveal significant issues with the property, affecting the final decision or negotiation terms.
Top reasons homes fail inspection
Foundation flaws such as cracks, troublesome tree roots and uneven settling or lack of steel reinforcement. An aging, damaged or deteriorating roof. Missing flashing or shingles. Damaged siding.
The primary reason why a seller is not encouraged to be present during a buyer's inspection is: they might interfere with the inspector's inspection process. They might try to justify the condition of various aspects.
Based on the manufacturer's suggested service life, the average life expectancy of a water heater is about 8 to 12 years. That varies with the location and design of the unit, quality of installation, maintenance schedule and water quality.
Homeowners insurance typically won't cover plumbing problems that are considered preventable. Neglect would be a reason you might not be covered. For example, if your pipes have been leaking for weeks or months and it is visible and apparent, insurance likely won't cover the damage.