When it comes to selling your home, buyers aren’t just taking a look at the kitchen countertops and debating whether they can live with your paint choices.
They’re also wondering, “Will this house surprise me with plumbing issues?”
The truth is, outdated or faulty plumbing can send seriously deter potential buyers.
On the other hand, a well-maintained system can boost your home’s value and make it more attractive to potential buyers. Here’s how plumbing impacts the resale value of your home, and how to make sure yours is working in your favor.
1. The Condition of Your Pipes Matters
Buyers definitely aren’t looking for a house with a ticking time bomb of rusty pipes lurking behind the walls.
If your home has aging, corroded pipes, especially lead or galvanized steel, expect some raised eyebrows and lower offers. Upgrading to modern materials like copper or PEX can make a huge difference in both confidence and resale value.
Pro Tip: Not ready for a full repipe? Start with the most critical areas, like the kitchen and bathrooms. Even small updates can make a big impression on buyers.
2. Water Pressure: A Make-or-Break Moment
Nothing kills home-buying excitement like turning on a faucet and getting a sad little trickle instead of a proper stream.
Weak water pressure can signal clogged pipes, hidden leaks, or outdated plumbing fixtures, all of which can make buyers question what else might be wrong.
Pro Tip: Test your water pressure before listing. If it’s weak, have a plumber check it out. Buyers notice these things, and you don’t want them to start assuming the worst.
3. Energy-Efficient Plumbing: A Bonus for Buyers
Let's be honest, today’s buyers love homes that help them save money (and the planet).
If your home has water-efficient fixtures, a tankless water heater, or even simple upgrades like low-flow toilets, it can be a great selling point. Not only do these upgrades lower utility bills, but they also make your home look more modern and better maintained.
Pro Tip: If you’re making last-minute upgrades, focus on visible and impactful changes, like swapping out old faucets and shower heads for sleek, water-efficient models.
4. Kitchens and Bathrooms: The Money Makers
Kitchens and bathrooms are the superstars of home value, and guess what?
They’re also where plumbing plays a starring role. Leaky faucets, outdated fixtures, or slow drains can make even a freshly painted bathroom look like a maintenance headache. On the flip side, an updated sink, shower, or even just a stylish new faucet can instantly boost appeal.
Pro Tip: You don’t need a full remodel to impress buyers. A few plumbing-focused upgrades, like a deep farmhouse sink in the kitchen or a rain shower head in the bathroom, can make all the difference.
5. Plumbing Inspections: Avoid the Last-Minute Panic
Surprise plumbing issues during a buyer’s inspection are about as welcome as a cold shower.
Buyers will almost always have a home inspection done, and plumbing problems are a major red flag. Getting a pre-listing plumbing inspection can help you catch issues early, before they scare off buyers or force you into price negotiations.
Pro Tip: A small leak today could be a big negotiation problem tomorrow when you are trying to sell. Fix it now, so buyers don’t use it as leverage to lower their offer to you.
Final Thoughts
Your plumbing isn’t just about keeping your home functional, it’s a big factor in your home’s value. Whether you’re selling soon or just want to maintain your investment, taking care of your pipes can pay off in the long run.
Want to make sure your plumbing is adding value—not draining it? Venture Plumbing can help.
Schedule an inspection today and make sure your home is market-ready!