Ways to Maximize the Investment of Your Home

Congratulations on purchasing your home (or looking to buy in this HOT market)! A home is so much more than four walls and a ceiling. It’s shelter, safety, security, and the setting of fond memories for years to come. As you know, the home-buying process is not for the faint of heart: there’s saving, careful planning, tirelessly searching for the perfect home and all of the paperwork and effort that begins when you’ve found your dream home and are ready to purchase.

You’ve crossed every T and dotted every I along the way to owning your home, but have you thought about what’s in the walls and what’s underground? That’s right--your drains and sewer systems are a critical element of your investment! Plumbing is often overlooked until there’s a problem, and drain issues are more than inconvenient: they can be costly and cause damage to other areas of your home.

While this may sound alarming, you can get ahead of many drain issues before they become a problem and, in doing so, protect your home and maximize your investment. For example, there’s no reason to live in fear of what’s lurking in your drains when you can literally see them! Video inspection is a remarkable resource to homeowners because it reveals everything going on in your drains from blockages and general drain health to small cracks and root invasion. Using this information, you can catch small issues before they become a systemic problem and put preventative measures in place to keep your drains healthy and your home protected. If your plumbing does need to be updated, you will know specifically what, where, and why, and can formulate a strategy without the urgency that comes with a sewer emergency.

During the home-buying process, you probably remember an inspector touring the home to make sure that everything was in order. These inspectors search for visible issues like a faucet that produces no water or a toilet that won’t flush. This inspection, while a valuable step in the home-buying process, is just one snapshot of your plumbing’s functionality. That’s why it’s so important for you to regularly inspect your plumbing for signs of potential problems. Keeping tabs on your drains is quick and fits easily into your daily routine.

When using your sinks, showers, and toilets, ask yourself these questions:

• Is this draining more slowly than usual?
• Are there any foreign odors near this drain?
• Have you noticed any small flies near this drain?
• Last, look up! If you notice brown spots on your ceiling, it could be a sign of a leaking pipe.

A home is so much more than drains and drywall. It’s the haven we retreat to after a rough day and the place we spend our happiest moments with those closest to us. By taking these simple precautions and tuning in to the health of your plumbing system, you’re maximizing your investment--and even better!--protecting your home for years to come.