Ignore This During Due Diligence and You Might Buy a Money Pit
The $300 check that can save you $45,000 in repairs
There’s one system in real estate that’s often overlooked—until it becomes a nightmare.
The plumbing.
Leaks, bursts, and floods can turn a promising property into a money pit overnight. And yet, so many investors rely on a general home inspection and skip a critical step: scoping the plumbing lines.
Why Plumbing Deserves More Attention
General home inspections often give plumbing a once-over. But that’s not enough. You need a licensed plumber with a scope camera to inspect the entire sewer line all the way to the street.
Here’s why:
Tree roots can break into old lines and clog them.
Aged piping can fail unexpectedly.
High water pressure in one room and low in another may signal hidden issues.
Previous "patch jobs" can hide deeper, more expensive problems.
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What to Ask the Plumber to Check
To avoid nasty surprises, have your plumber focus on these key areas:
Tree root intrusions—Are any nearby trees threatening the sewer line?
Age of the main plumbing system—Outdated materials? Time for an upgrade.
Water pressure testing in all rooms—Look for inconsistencies that signal deeper issues.
Previous repair history—What’s been fixed? What’s been covered up?
These checks reveal a property’s true condition and help you avoid inheriting someone else’s problems.
Too many investors skip this step to move fast on a deal. But rushing without proper plumbing checks can lead to:
Tens of thousands in repairs
Major tenant disruption
A serious hit to your cash flow
Spending $300 on a scoped inspection now can save you $45,000 (or more) later. That’s not an exaggeration. It’s experience speaking.
Don’t let a hidden plumbing issue destroy your investment. Be proactive. Be thorough. Bring in a reputable plumber before you close.
Jon
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