Buying a new home is an exciting milestone—but it’s also one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make. While you’re busy checking square footage, kitchen upgrades, or the size of the backyard, it’s easy to overlook what’s behind the walls. The condition of a home’s plumbing, HVAC, and electrical systems can make or break your investment—and potentially cost you thousands if ignored.

In Northwest Indiana, many homes were built decades ago. That charm often comes with outdated systems that may not meet today’s performance or safety standards. A general home inspection will note obvious red flags, but it won’t always catch hidden leaks, faulty wiring, or failing HVAC units that could lead to major repairs right after you move in.

By getting a closer look at these critical systems before closing, you’ll gain a clearer understanding of what you’re buying—and what you might need to fix. From aging water heaters and clogged sewer lines to unsafe breaker panels, these checks could be the key to avoiding costly surprises.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through the most important plumbing, HVAC, and electrical checks to make before you finalize your purchase. If you’re house hunting in Northwest Indiana, it pays to look a little deeper.

Plumbing Issues Homebuyers Shouldn’t Ignore

Plumbing problems can be some of the most expensive and disruptive to fix, especially if they’ve gone unnoticed for years. When buying a home in Northwest Indiana, it’s critical to look beyond whether the faucets work and the toilets flush. Older homes in the region may have hidden plumbing issues that only a professional inspection will catch.

Pipe Material and Age

Start by finding out what kind of pipes the home has and how old they are. Galvanized steel and cast iron pipes, commonly used in older homes, are prone to corrosion, clogs, and eventual failure. These materials may look fine on the outside but could be severely deteriorated within.

If you notice discolored water, low water pressure, or inconsistent temperature changes, it could signal internal pipe corrosion or buildup. In many cases, full repiping is required—an investment that can run into the thousands if not anticipated during purchase negotiations.

Sewer Line and Drainage

Issues with the main sewer line can be especially devastating—and expensive. Tree root intrusion, ground shifting, and years of buildup can cause sewer backups that flood your home and damage foundations.

A video camera inspection of the sewer line is a smart precaution during a home purchase. It allows plumbers to check for cracks, clogs, or collapse without digging, and helps identify whether the home needs a repair, replacement, or just a good cleaning.

Water Heater Condition

Ask about the age and maintenance history of the water heater. Most traditional tank units last 8–12 years. If it’s nearing the end of its lifespan, you could be looking at an early replacement.

Signs of trouble include rust-colored water, visible corrosion on the tank, or water pooling at the base. You’ll also want to check whether the heater meets modern energy efficiency standards—older models tend to use more energy and cost more to operate.

HVAC Problems That Can Drain Your Budget

A home’s heating and cooling systems are essential for comfort—but they’re also among the most expensive to repair or replace. In Northwest Indiana, where winters are cold and summers can get humid, you need an HVAC system you can rely on. Before you buy, it’s important to assess the condition, efficiency, and expected lifespan of these systems.

System Age and Maintenance History

The first thing to check is the age of the furnace and air conditioner. Most units are designed to last 10–15 years with regular maintenance. If the equipment is older than that—or there’s no record of recent service—it’s likely on borrowed time.

Ask for service records or warranty documentation, and take note of any strange noises, uneven heating or cooling, or excessive dust. These could point to neglected maintenance or mechanical issues. Replacing a furnace or AC unit can cost several thousand dollars, so it’s worth evaluating before closing the deal.

Ductwork and Airflow

Even if the furnace and AC are in good condition, leaky or poorly designed ductwork can dramatically reduce system efficiency. Signs of duct problems include uneven temperatures between rooms, whistling noises, or weak airflow from vents.

Ducts that are torn, disconnected, or full of debris will force the system to work harder, increasing energy bills and shortening the equipment’s lifespan. In older homes, duct systems may have never been updated or sealed.

Indoor Air Quality Concerns

Indoor air quality is just as important as temperature. Ask about the home’s air filtration setup—does it have HEPA filters, humidifiers, or air purifiers in place? Check for musty odors or visible mold around vents, which could indicate excess humidity or hidden moisture problems.

Poor air quality not only affects comfort but can also signal underlying issues like improper ventilation, dirty ductwork, or a mold-prone environment—all of which should be addressed before you move in.

Electrical Red Flags to Watch For

Electrical problems are not only inconvenient—they’re potentially dangerous. Faulty wiring, outdated panels, or insufficient power can put your safety and investment at risk. In older homes throughout Northwest Indiana, it’s especially important to look closely at the electrical system before finalizing a purchase.

Breaker Panel and Wiring Type

Start by inspecting the electrical panel. If the home still uses a Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) or Zinsco panel, it should be replaced immediately—these outdated brands are known for failing to trip during overloads and pose serious fire risks.

Additionally, be on the lookout for knob-and-tube wiring (common in homes built before the 1950s) or aluminum wiring (used in the 1960s and ’70s). Both are outdated, less safe, and may not meet current insurance requirements. Replacing these systems can be costly, but it’s often essential for safety and code compliance.

GFCI/AFCI Protection and Outlets

Modern homes are required to have GFCI outlets (ground fault circuit interrupters) in bathrooms, kitchens, garages, laundry rooms, and outdoor areas. These outlets help prevent electrocution by cutting off power when moisture is detected.

Check whether GFCIs are installed where required—and that they work properly. You’ll also want to verify the presence of AFCIs (arc fault circuit interrupters) in bedrooms and other living spaces for added fire protection. Testing outlets for proper grounding is another smart move during your inspection.

Overall Load Capacity

Today’s families rely on more electronics than ever before, and older homes weren’t built to handle the demand. Many still operate on 60–100 amp service, which may not support large appliances, home offices, HVAC systems, and entertainment centers all at once.

Upgrading to a 200-amp panel is often necessary to future-proof your home and avoid blown breakers or flickering lights. Before you buy, make sure the system can handle your lifestyle—or factor the upgrade into your budget.

Why You Need a Licensed Pro for System Inspections

While a general home inspection provides a helpful overview of a property’s condition, it doesn’t go deep enough into specialized systems like plumbing, HVAC, and electrical. These critical components require the eye of a trained professional to spot issues that may not be visible—or even known—by a standard inspector.

Specialized Knowledge and Equipment

Licensed plumbers, electricians, and HVAC technicians have the tools and training to perform more thorough evaluations. They can use camera scopes to inspect sewer lines, multimeters to test electrical circuits, or combustion analyzers to evaluate furnace performance—none of which are part of a general inspection.

Their findings can reveal serious problems like internal pipe corrosion, carbon monoxide leaks, or faulty breakers that would otherwise go unnoticed.

Accurate Diagnostics and Cost Estimates

A professional inspection doesn’t just identify problems—it helps you understand the true cost of repairs or replacements. That’s essential when making an offer or negotiating with sellers. You’ll know what needs to be addressed immediately and what can wait, helping you plan for the future with clarity.

Negotiating Power and Peace of Mind

With a licensed contractor’s inspection report in hand, you gain leverage to negotiate price reductions, credits, or repairs as part of your purchase agreement. Even if no major issues are found, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that your new home is safe, efficient, and ready for move-in.

If you’re serious about protecting your investment, don’t skip these targeted evaluations—they could save you thousands.

Make a Smarter Home Purchase With Pro Inspections

A home in Northwest Indiana might have great curb appeal, but the real story lies in its plumbing, HVAC, and electrical systems. These hidden components have a major impact on your comfort, safety, and financial future. Without a thorough inspection, you could end up facing costly repairs just months after moving in.

By taking the time to evaluate the condition of pipes, wiring, and heating and cooling equipment before closing, you can make a more informed decision—and avoid budget-busting surprises. Whether it’s discovering an aging water heater, an outdated breaker panel, or a hidden sewer issue, these findings give you the opportunity to renegotiate or request repairs before finalizing your purchase.

At Maglish Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric, we help homebuyers across Northwest Indiana get the facts they need to buy with confidence. Our licensed professionals offer detailed system inspections and honest guidance to protect your investment.

Contact Maglish Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric today to schedule a pre-purchase system inspection and move into your new home with peace of mind.