Almost every house in the world has its problems – some large, some nearly unnoticeable.
But not all problems need to be fixed when selling a house.
So, can you sell a house with plumbing problems?
We’ve answered that question and more below.
Common examples of plumbing problems
Plumbing issues can take many different forms.
Sometimes, they go unnoticed. For example, dripping taps and fluctuations in hot water supply.
Other times, they are obvious. For example:
- Frozen pipes
- Blocked drains
- Leaking pipes
- Running toilets
- Toilet won’t flush
- No water at all.
These issues are quite serious and should be disclosed if you’re trying to sell your house.
Alternatively, you could fix them before listing the house. It depends on your situation.
Common plumbing problems
Build-up of materials
One of the leading causes of plumbing problems is a build-up of materials causing a clogged sink, toilet, shower, etc.
This is sometimes one major incident, i.e., an object going down a sink. Or it can occur over several months due to a build-up of materials.
Rusting metal or rotting wood
Rusting metal or rotting wood are two other common explanations.
Again, this can be inevitable over several years and is mainly due to oxidation caused by moisture.
Human error/mistakes
On the other hand, plumbing problems can sometimes be manmade. A common example is problem tenants.
For example they might:
- Flush the chain too often
- Force unsuitable materials through sinks or toilets
- Twist the pipes beneath sinks.
Can I sell a house with plumbing problems on the open market?
Yes, you can sell your house even if it’s got plumbing problems.
You’ll need to disclose this detail to the buyer. This is typically done using the Property Information Form (TA6).
You may need to compromise in other ways if your house has plumbing issues.
For example, your asking price could be dropped slightly compared to what you would otherwise ask for.
Buyers may also want an in-depth report on the problem, even if you aren’t going to fix it.
An expert plumber should be brought in to report on the money and time involved with correcting it.
Will a bank lend on a house with plumbing problems?
It depends on how severe the plumbing problems are. Each lender has their own unique requirements in this area.
Put simply, your house needs to be inhabitable for a bank to lend on it. They’ll thus make a judgement about whether that’s the case.
Minor issues like a dripping tap or a blocked toilet don’t make the property uninhabitable.
However, some banks may be unhappy if there is no plumbing system.
Everyone involved will want details about the issue and when it’ll be fixed. And even then, you still might be denied a mortgage.
Get an independent surveyor’s opinion if you’re unsure. A representative sent by the bank may also be able to give you guidance.
Should you get plumbing problems fixed before trying to sell my house?
Once again, it depends on the situation. If your house is uninhabitable, such as due to no running water, you could have no choice but to fix this.
Your only option is selling to a cash buyer or via a property auction.
Some plumbing problems are much easier to fix than others. You should weigh up the pros and cons.
For example, if there’s only one toilet in the house, and it’s blocked, this could be a major issue.
However, the context changes if the house has multiple toilets and only one is blocked.
Get an independent quotation from a plumber on how much it’ll cost to fix. And then ask an independent estate agent how much you may need to compromise on price without correcting it.
These two numbers indicate which one makes the most financial sense.
Sometimes, a buyer will make fixing plumbing a condition of the sale. It’s up to you whether you go along with this. You could feel compelled if there are no other offers.
But if you’ve got several options, you may opt to play each buyer off each other.
