π Buying a New House? Don’t Skip the Plumbing Inspection! What Sauk Valley Homebuyers Need to Know
Dyllan Willett • June 13, 2025
π§ NEW PODCAST EPISODE! π‘π§ "Before You Buy: The Plumbing Problems You Can’t See" ππ½

π Buying a House in the Sauk Valley Area? Don’t Skip the Plumbing Inspection! What Homebuyers Need to Know
Buying a new home is one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make. From touring properties to negotiating contracts, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement. But before you sign the dotted line, there’s one critical step that could save you thousands in future repairs — a professional plumbing inspection.
At Lenhart Plumbing,
we’ve helped countless homebuyers in the Sauk Valley and surrounding areas avoid costly surprises. Here’s what you need to know before you move forward with your dream home.
π§ Why Plumbing Inspections Matter
Most standard home inspections only provide a surface-level review of the plumbing system. A licensed plumber digs deeper, inspecting components that a general inspector may overlook — like sewer lines, water heaters, and hidden leaks.
A pre-purchase plumbing inspection can help identify:
- πΏ Hidden water leaks or corroded pipes
- π½ Drainage or sewer line issues
- π¦ Low water pressure or outdated plumbing fixtures
- π₯ Water heater age, condition, and capacity
- βοΈ Pipe insulation and risk of freezing during cold Illinois winters
π οΈ What We Check During a Lenhart Plumbing Inspection
When you schedule a pre-purchase plumbing inspection with Lenhart Plumbing, here’s what we typically evaluate:
- Water Supply Lines: Checking for corrosion, leaks, and proper water pressure
- Drain Lines: Video camera inspection of main sewer lines for blockages, root intrusion, or pipe damage
- Water Heater: Assessing lifespan, performance, and safety concerns
- Fixtures & Faucets: Ensuring sinks, tubs, toilets, and showers operate correctly
- Basement & Crawlspace Plumbing: Inspecting for sump pumps, moisture issues, and proper drainage
Pipe Material & Age: Verifying if the home has outdated galvanized piping or other problem-prone materials
ποΈ The Hidden Costs of Skipping a Plumbing Inspection
Ignoring plumbing issues during a home purchase can lead to major headaches, including:
- Emergency pipe repairs πΈ
- Sewer backups or basement flooding π
- Mold and water damage restoration π§Ό
- Full pipe replacement costs, especially in older homes ποΈ
These repairs can cost thousands and aren’t always covered by homeowners insurance.
β
Peace of Mind from Lenhart Plumbing
Whether you’re buying your first home in Dixon, moving to a farmhouse near Sterling, or investing in a rental property in the Sauk Valley, a plumbing inspection from Lenhart Plumbing can give you peace of mind and negotiating power before you commit to the purchase.
π¬ Tip:
If we uncover problems, you may be able to negotiate repairs or a lower price before closing.
π Schedule Your Pre-Purchase Plumbing Inspection Today
Don’t leave your dream home to chance. Call Lenhart Plumbing
to schedule a comprehensive plumbing inspection before you buy. We proudly serve Sterling, Dixon, Rock Falls, and all surrounding Sauk Valley communities.
π Call us today or book online to protect your investment.
Lenhart Plumbing
– Honest, reliable plumbing services trusted across the Sauk Valley for over 20 years.

At Lenhart Plumbing, we understand the importance of having clean, filtered water in your home. Not only does it enhance the taste and quality of your drinking water, but it also plays a crucial role in maintaining your health and well-being. Here are some key health benefits of ensuring your home has clean water and how our water softeners, whole house water filters, and Iron Breaker systems can help achieve this.
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