Turn back on utility for inspection?

[Dan V.]

I'm working on a deal in Norfolk and inspection is a contingency. The seller agreed to keep the electricity on but he won't turn back on gas & water. The house was built in 1950's and I just want to make sure the gas & water lines are free from any leaks. Rather than prolonging the negotiation with the utilities, I was thinking I will have the utility companies turn it back on under my name on the inspection date then turn it off after. How long does it take for the utility company to turn it on and for how much? Water company is HRUBS and gas is VA Natural Gas if that will help.

Anybody who has an experience like this? How did you deal with it?

[Mike McCarthy]

I’d imagine you’d need authorization from the owner to turn on the utilities even if you’re paying for them. Also, what happens if there is a leak, and the water company turns on the water and floods the house?

You may want to talk to your inspector to see if they’ve ever air-pressure tested a system before? That’s how gas and water piping is usually tested after install. And if there’s a leak, there’s no mess (not explosion)