Do you want to sell your house but have a clogged drain, runny faucet or other plumbing problem? If that’s the case, you might be wondering if it’s possible to sell your house without putting money into repairs.
This guide will explore how to sell a house with plumbing problems and what you can do to speed up the process.
Before we dive in, let’s quickly review some common plumbing problems and how to detect them before they get worse.
What are common plumbing problems?
Before we discuss how to sell your house, it’s helpful to be aware of the plumbing problems that could impact the sale process.
Some of the most common plumbing problems for homeowners are:
- Leaky pipes and faucets
- Low water pressure
- Clogged toilets and drains
- Water heater issues
- Main water line leaks or problems
- Constantly running toilet
- Sewer line break
Though you can avoid many plumbing problems with proper use and maintenance, some wear and tear is normal. If you’re experiencing a relatively simple plumbing issue, such as a clogged kitchen drain, you may not want to call your plumber right away.
In the case of a clogged kitchen drain, try the tried and true baking soda and vinegar method. If that doesn’t work, at least you’ll feel less guilty about calling in a professional.
How do you check for plumbing problems?
Whether you decide to do repair work or sell your house as-is, it’s a good practice to assess your property and take an inventory of anything that needs fixing. While evaluating your home, here are some tips to keep in mind to help you uncover plumbing problems.
- Look for discolored pipes: One of the easiest ways to detect plumbing issues is to check the color of your pipes. If you notice any discoloration, this could indicate excess moisture caused by a leak.
- Watch for odors: If you notice sewer odor in your home or around your property, it could mean a problem with one of your drain traps.
- Check for slow drains: Slow drainage is another tell-tale sign of a plumbing problem. If there is a slow drain somewhere in your home, it could be a simple clog you can fix yourself. However, if you notice drainage issues in multiple areas of your home, it might be a more serious issue.
- Test water pressure: Be sure to test all faucets in your home for water pressure. If you notice weak water flow in several places, you may have an issue with the water main or water heater.
- Beware of wall peeling: If you notice the paint on your ceiling or wall starting to peel or bubble, it is a sign of excess moisture and may mean you have a leaky roof or issues in your plumbing system.
- Review your water bill: If you have a sudden spike in your water bill, it could indicate a plumbing issue. It’s critical to monitor your water bill and watch for any drastic changes.
If you live in an old home, be sure to thoroughly inspect your property since plumbing problems in older homes can be particularly challenging to manage and resolve.
Can I sell a house with plumbing problems?
After you’ve evaluated your home and uncovered plumbing problems, you have three main options:
- Pay for repairs before selling the home
- Find someone to buy the home in its current condition
- Sell your house in as condition to a house flipper
Many factors will influence your decision, such as the cost of repairs and the housing market in your area. If demand is high, you are more likely to find a flexible buyer. If your plumbing problems are more severe, the best option might be to sell to a local real estate investor.
How to sell a house that needs some work will depend on the severity of the repairs, the housing market, and how quickly you need to sell your home. If you have time to find the right buyer, it may be best to delay the repair work. If you need to move quickly, pay for the repairs or sell your house in as-is condition to a house flipper.
Do you have to disclose plumbing issues when selling a house?
Selling a house with problems may require specific disclosures to homebuyers — but the requirements vary by state. In Massachusetts, home sellers must disclose the following:
- If there is a private septic tank or cesspool on the property
- Any known presence of lead paint
Aside from those mentioned above, there aren’t any required disclosures for home sellers in Massachusetts. So if you have a minor plumbing problem, the law doesn’t require you to inform potential buyers.
If a buyer specifically requests information about known defects in the home, you must be honest and disclose the problems. Refusing to disclose known issues when asked can result in legal trouble for you down the road.
How much do plumbing repairs cost?
The costs of plumbing repairs vary widely by the type and severity of the problem.
HomeServe.com provides the following useful estimates of common plumbing repairs:
- Drain clog: $125 – $300
- Leaky pipe: $150 – 700
- Toilet problems: $150 – $300
- Water heater repairs: $200 – $900
- Septic tank: $300 – $2,500
- Well pump: $350 – $1,350
- Broken water main: $400 – $2,000
- Sewer problem: $1,200 – $4,000
- Drain line issues: $250 – $1,000
Plumbing repairs vary from simple DIY fixes like minor clogs and leaks to more serious issues such as water main or drain line problems.
Final thoughts
Selling a house with plumbing problems complicates the process but is still possible depending on the severity of the issues and the housing market. Though disclosure laws are limited in Massachusetts, you must be honest about any known defects if asked by buyers.
We will pay cash for your house in any condition
The easiest way to sell a house fast that needs plumbing related repairs is to sell to a company that buys houses in any condition. At Pavel Buys Houses, we’ll pay cash for your home and take the headache of repairs off your hands so you can sell your house faster.
The first step is to fill out some basic information using our online form or give us a call to get your fair cash offer at 781-309-7085.