Quick and Easy Plumbing Checks To Do Before Buying a New Home
If you’re soon going to be buying a new home, one of the most important elements you should carefully inspect before closing the transaction is the plumbing. A few days after moving in, no new homeowner wants the unpleasant discovery of leaky pipes or water damage in the property.
Continue reading for important advice on how to inspect the plumbing of any home (before you buy it!) to make sure you avoid any such issues.
Here is a list of the top 5 things to look out for when inspecting the plumbing in a new home. Let’s start now!
Run All Taps for Signs of Blockage
Although it may seem obvious, switch on every tap and shower in the house for a brief period of time to check them. You should keep an eye out for indications of obstruction, such as restricted flow or water that emerges intermittently.
Additionally, pay attention to the water’s pressure. While low pressure would be extremely annoying or imply a clog somewhere in the system, high pressure might potentially damage your pipes.
It’s important to check the water’s colour and smell as the tap is running since rusty or foul-smelling water could indicate that the pipes have been damaged or that the water is poisoned, both of which pose health risks.
But occasionally, rusty water is only a result of the tap going unused for a while. Get the taps checked to make sure there are no rusted or corroded pipelines, just to be safe.
Check for Leaks and Discolouration
When you move into your new home, having malfunctioning and leaky pipes on your hands is the last thing you want. Examine every nook and cranny of the home before moving in to look for hidden evidence of water damage, which could include anything from warping and mould around the toilet to odd stains on the ceiling and walls.
You should also test the toilets by giving them a good flush and observing the water flow and level in the bowl. Take note of any odd smells or telltale indications of leaking pipes, such as water pooling around the washbasin or other bathroom fixtures, and have a plumber check them out.
Test Out the Hot Water
Any plumbing inspection must include a look at the hot water system because no one likes to take a shower in the dead of winter with ice cold water. Since replacing a water heater may be quite expensive, make sure to run hot water through all of the faucets and showers and check the water heater for any signs of damage.
A further consideration is that water heating systems often need to be replaced after ten years, so knowing when the heater was installed may help you determine whether you will need to do so soon.
Examine Sewer Lines
Sewage buildup and bad odours can result from clogged pipes due to issues with the sewer lines. Get a camera check of the pipes done if there are any indications that a sewer line is obstructed to rule out corrosion or leakage.
Deep tree roots can occasionally move in the direction of the lines and cause harm. Homeowners can suffer greatly from improper pipe drainage, so it is crucial to thoroughly assess the drainage system.
Contact Previous Owners
You might ask the former owners about the plumbing and water quality if the house was occupied up until recently. Ask about any maintenance or repairs that have been made to the plumbing, bathroom fixtures, etc.
This will give you a better picture of the pipes’ general state and the costs you can anticipate in the future. Do your own quality assessment in addition to relying just on the previous owners’ word.
Get Help From A Professional Plumber
Not to mention, if you have any questions about plumbing systems or spot water damage anywhere in the house. Expert property purchasers advise that you seek the assistance of a qualified plumber. A professional plumber will assist you in determining the current state of your drainage and pipe system, offer maintenance tips, and look for any symptoms of damage.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, you should examine the availability of hot water, the state of the pipes and drainage system, as well as the flow of water from the faucets and showers, before making an offer on any home. Watch out for any indications of water damage around the house, such as leaks, discoloration, stains, or mould.
Pay close attention to the bathroom fittings, flush the toilet to test it, and check the water level. If you are not familiar with the specifics of plumbing or see any signs of damage, call a qualified plumber right once!
