OCT NIBJ: Staying on top pf plumbing issues protects home's value

When it comes to home improvement or preparing your house for sale, the last thing on your mind is probably the condition of the plumbing, until there is an immediate issue. 

Turner Plumbing, serving both Boundary and Bonner counties, completes all facets of plumbing including new construction, remodels and service.   

“Being well-rounded helps us serve all the community's needs,” Lucas Turner, owner of Turner Plumbing, said.  “We love to build relationships with contractors, homeowners and real-estate agents.  We strive to answer incoming calls the day they come in and send plumbing techs out ASAP to meet the high pace demands of real estate and homeowners’ emergencies.” 

With 15 years of experience as a plumber, Turner recommends annual plumbing inspections to keep the home’s plumbing functioning properly, and safely.  

“Regular inspections can help avoid a plumbing emergency and damage to the property by repairing a problem before it becomes an emergency,” he said.  

The importance of plumbing inspections can be based on many scenarios such as; age of home or commercial building, efficiency of the system and occupancy of the property.   

As part of the inspection, Turner Plumbing inspects all assessable plumbing through the home while documenting concerns, mechanical failures, leaks and more.  

Another step to protecting one’s property is knowing the location of important plumbing fixtures in case of a plumbing failure, Turner said. With that in mind, he said he and his crew physically show their customers the locations of interior isolation valves, thermostats, gas valves and a home’s main water shut-off valves. Additionally, homeowners are provided with a checklist of recommended repairs.  

In Sandpoint SLIP inspections of the sewer lateral line that runs from a house to building to the city of Sandpoint sewer line are required. The pipe or connecting fitting, make up the entire line that attaches to the city sewer pipe. Property owners are responsible for both. 

Turner Plumbing has provided slip inspections for six years.   

“Slip inspections are standard for real estate transactions and for customers to avoid any emergency sewer back-ups and property damage,” Turner said.  

Remember before you buy or remodel, especially in Sandpoint, you will need to have a plumber come in to inspect the sewer lateral connection.