Plumbing Problems That Can Kill a Real Estate Deal in New Orleans
- Julian Hays
- Aug 6
- 5 min read
Updated: Aug 13
Selling a home in New Orleans? Don’t let hidden plumbing problems ruin your deal. It’s easy to focus on paint touch-ups and curb appeal, but what’s happening behind the walls could be what actually stops a sale from going through. In a city full of older homes, high humidity, and aging infrastructure, plumbing issues are a common reason buyers back out last-minute—or demand thousands off the asking price. If you’re thinking about putting your home on the market, it’s worth knowing the plumbing red flags that can kill a deal before it’s too late.
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Why Buyers Walk Away from Plumbing Problems
Plumbing problems are one of the quickest ways to scare off a serious buyer. Even small issues—like a slow drain or a leaking faucet—can make buyers wonder what else might be wrong behind the walls. Most people don’t want to move into a home just to start dealing with plumbing repairs.
Here’s the thing: when buyers see plumbing issues, they usually assume one of two things:
1. The home hasn’t been well maintained
2. There’s a bigger, hidden problem waiting to be uncovered
Either way, it creates doubt—and that doubt can kill your deal.
In New Orleans, where many homes are older and moisture is always a factor, buyers are especially cautious. The second a plumbing issue shows up in the inspection report, you can expect:
Price negotiations
Repair demands
Or worse — the buyer walking away
Top Plumbing Issues That Can Kill a Deal
Even small plumbing problems can turn into big concerns once a buyer brings in their inspector. If you're planning to sell your home in New Orleans, these are the most common plumbing issues that could stop a deal in its tracks:
Slow drains or standing water
This usually signals clogged lines or poor drainage, which buyers see as and expensive fix or a sign of deeper issues.
Visible leaks or corroded pipes
Water stains, rusted pipes, or old patchwork repairs can suggest long-term neglect—even if the problem seems minor to you.
Low water pressure
Buyers often assume this means there's a problem with the plumbing system as a whole, not just one fixture.
Old or poorly functioning water heater
If your water heater is outdated, not up to code, or showing signs of wear, many buyers will expect it to be replaced.
Sewer line problems
Collapsed pipes, tree root intrusion, or backups in the main line are common in New Orleans—especially in older neighborhoods. This can be a deal killer.
Evidence of past water damage or mold
Musty smells, soft spots in flooring, or discolored walls can indicate old plumbing issues that were never properly addressed.
These issues don’t just slow down the sale—they can force price drops, push buyers to walk away, or drag out closing with repair demands. Identifying and fixing them before listing gives you a much better shot at a fast, clean sale.
How New Orleans Homes Are Especially Vulnerable
If you’ve owned a home in New Orleans for any length of time, you already know the city has its quirks—and that definitely includes the plumbing. Our combination of historic homes, high humidity, and shifting soil makes plumbing problems more common (and more expensive) than in other cities.
Here’s why plumbing issues are more likely to show up—and kill a deal—around here:
Older infrastructure
Many homes in areas like the French Quarter, Mid-City, and Uptown still have original or outdated plumbing materials like cast iron or galvanized steel. These pipes corrode, crack, and fail over time—and buyers know it.
Slab foundations
New Orleans homes are often built on slabs, which means any under-slab leaks or drainage problems are harder (and pricier) to fix. A sewer line issue here isn’t just a quick patch job—it could require tunneling or rerouting.
Tree root intrusion
Our tree-lined streets might be beautiful, but those massive roots love to invade old sewer lines. It’s a common cause of backups and broken pipes, especially in older neighborhoods.
High moisture environment
Humidity speeds up corrosion and makes leaks harder to detect until damage is already done. Mold and mildew build up fast, especially in homes that aren’t well-ventilated or regularly maintained.
All of these factors make buyers extra cautious in New Orleans—and why sellers need to get ahead of plumbing problems before they hit the market.
The Cost of Ignoring Plumbing Before Listing
Putting off plumbing repairs might seem like a way to save money before listing your home—but in most cases, it ends up costing you more. When a buyer finds an issue during the inspection, it opens the door for price cuts, repair demands, or even walking away from the deal entirely.
Most buyers today expect homes to be move-in ready, especially in competitive markets like New Orleans. If plumbing problems show up in the inspection report, they’ll either want you to fix them fast or offer less to cover the cost themselves—and that number is rarely in your favor. Even worse, if the issue is serious enough, you could lose the buyer altogether and be forced to relist.
These kinds of delays and price reductions aren’t just frustrating—they eat into your profits and drag out the entire selling process. On the flip side, sellers who handle plumbing problems before listing are in a much stronger position. You can set a firm price, avoid the back-and-forth, and keep the deal moving without unnecessary stress.
What Sellers Can Do Right Now
You don’t have to wait for a buyer’s inspection to find out what’s wrong with your plumbing. By taking a few simple steps before listing your home, you can avoid surprises, protect your sale, and make the process a whole lot smoother.
Schedule a Pre-Listing Plumbing Inspection
Before you list your home, bring in a licensed plumber to check your water pressure, drainage, water heater, and sewer lines. These are the areas most likely to come up during a buyer’s inspection—and they can derail your deal if not addressed early.
Fix Issues on Your Terms, Not the Buyer’s
When plumbing problems are discovered during escrow, you’re at the mercy of tight timelines and rushed repairs. Taking care of them before listing gives you more control over cost, timeline, and quality of work.
Build Buyer Confidence
A clean plumbing report or a few recent upgrades show buyers you’ve taken care of the property. That kind of transparency can go a long way toward speeding up negotiations and getting full-price offers.
Stand Out in a Competitive Market
New Orleans buyers have options—and they’re looking for homes that feel solid and move-in ready. Plumbing might not be visible during a showing, but it absolutely matters when it comes time to close.
Why Sellers Trust Bertucci Bros Plumbing
At Bertucci Bros Plumbing, we’ve helped countless New Orleans homeowners and real estate agents avoid deals falling apart at the last minute. We know how stressful selling a home can be—especially when an inspection reveals unexpected plumbing problems.
That’s why we offer fast, reliable pre-listing plumbing inspections and repairs designed to keep your sale on track. From older homes in Uptown to investment properties in Gentilly, we know what to look for—and how to fix it before it becomes a bigger issue.
Our team works quickly, communicates clearly, and makes sure your plumbing isn’t the reason your home sits on the market.
Whether you're listing next week or just starting to prep your home, reach out to Bertucci Bros Plumbing to schedule an inspection and get ahead of potential problems before they cost you the deal. Call us at (504) 559-7473, or click here to get a quote online.
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