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Just go with the flow!

By
Real Estate Agent with Atlanta Communities 303302

Interestingly, one local county, Dekalb, in the Atlanta area has enacted a "Low Flow" policy wherein any homes sold within the county must be certified as having all low flow plumbing fixtures. This policy came about during the last local drought and is an effort to conserve water.

The actual maximum flow rates are 2.2 gallons per minute in the Kitchen, 2 gallons per minute from other faucets, and toilets that use 1.6 gallons per flush or less.

These all have to be certified by a licensed plumber, home inspector, or Department of Watershed Management inspector. All well and good, but what happens if the fixtures are not low flow?

The Buyer is on the hook to bring these items up to code, at a cost not to exceed $1,000 per toilet. Wow, the Buyer? I would think the Seller should have these items brought up to code before selling their home, but that's just me.

Posted by

Peter den Boer, Associate Broker, Realtor

Atlanta Communities Real estate Brokerage

 

Ph. 770.713.1545

www.denboerhomes.com

 

I write about daily life as a Realtor in the Towne Lake Community in Woodstock Georgia.

Comments (9)

RE Virtual Solutions
RE Virtual Solutions - Saint Charles, MO
Virtually helping real estate professionals.

Wow.  It could be quite costly to update all the plumping fixtures into compliance to sell, but one of the things that comes along with homeownership.

Jan 07, 2020 05:41 AM
Norma J. Elkins
Elite Realty Group - Morristown, TN
Realtor - Elkins Home Selling Team

It does seem like it should be the seller's responsibility for sure.  Either way though I do think that it is a great idea and really should be encouraged through out the country.  Hope that you have a great day!

Jan 07, 2020 05:42 AM
Brian England
Ambrose Realty Management LLC - Gilbert, AZ
MBA, GRI, REALTOR® Real Estate in East Valley AZ

That will certainly be a negotiating point to consider in your area and one that better show up on the inspection report.

Jan 07, 2020 05:52 AM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hello Peter - upfront local real estate knowledge is important for real estate practitioners as well as buyers/sellers.  There's more involved than thinking "but it's such a pretty house...".

Jan 07, 2020 05:53 AM
Sheila Anderson
Referral Group Incorporated - East Brunswick, NJ
The Real Estate Whisperer Who Listens 732-715-1133

Good morning Peter. It's not just you. I think that is crazy. Tough one.

Jan 07, 2020 06:05 AM
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

Buyers might be less likely to buy homes without appropriate plumbing (if they need to pay for the upgrades). So sellers may decide to take care of the work before putting their home on the market... .Or price accordingly.

Jan 07, 2020 06:08 AM
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Peter,

It depends on the situation.  In Europe they have it solved with two settings both flow are at full force...A

Jan 07, 2020 11:31 AM
Grant Schneider
Performance Development Strategies - Armonk, NY
Your Coach Helping You Create Successful Outcomes

Good afternoon Peter den Boer - that is really crazy.  I wonder who promoted that 

Jan 07, 2020 12:53 PM
Laura Filip
Laura Filip Broker , Opening doors for All Seasons of Life - Whitesboro, TX
What can we do for you today?

Well low flow means 2 flushes in most cases and therefore not water efficient at all. Personally I would choose another community to move to .

Feb 05, 2020 09:50 PM