How do I judge the plumbing and shampoo bowls in a hair salon I want to buy?
Run every bowl and sink yourself. Check water pressure, how fast hot water arrives, drainage, leaks under the basin and the condition of the chairs and hoses. Then ask for repair history and bring a plumber for anything that looks tired.
Visit when the salon is quiet and test each shampoo station. Turn on hot and cold together. Does the temperature hold? Does water drain quickly, or does it pool? Look under each basin for dampness, stains, corroded fittings and patched pipe. Sit in the chair and check the neck rest, hoses and sprayer for cracks.
Ask for the repair history. How often has a bowl or drain been fixed, and who did it? Frequent clogs from hair and product may be a maintenance habit, or a sign of poor drainage that will return.
Think about the hot water supply as well. A salon that runs all day needs hot water to keep up, and a tired heater is a cost to plan for. Hire a plumber or inspector for a proper look, and read the lease to see who must repair plumbing, you or the landlord. Your lawyer can explain that part of the lease. Also look at floors and walls near the bowls for staining, soft spots or loose tiles, which can point to a slow leak that has been hidden. Ask as well whether shampoo stations were moved or added after the salon opened, because changes to plumbing sometimes lack proper records and may need to be checked before you take over.
Key takeaways
- Test every bowl for pressure, temperature, drainage and leaks.
- Ask for the repair history, including clogs and replaced parts.
- Read the lease to see who is responsible for plumbing.
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Sources
This answer is checked against primary sources. Links were last confirmed on the dates shown.
- 01Business Development Bank of CanadaGovernmentHow to conduct due diligence when buying a business
- 02Business Development Bank of CanadaGovernmentWhat are the steps to buying a business?
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