Buying a home is an exciting milestone. But before you seal the deal, it’s important to do your homework and make sure the property – in particular the plumbing – is in good condition. Keep reading to learn more.
When buying a new home, it can be easy to get swept up in the potential, the aesthetics, and the location and forget about some other very important aspects like the structure and the essential services. One of the most important systems to inspect is the plumbing.
A faulty or inadequate plumbing system can lead to costly repairs down the road. So if you’re wondering what to look for when inspecting plumbing, read on. Plumbing experts from Brookvale outline a few key items to add to your checklist to help you identify any potential problems with the property before you buy.
Keep in mind that some of these issues can be expensive to fix, so you may want to negotiate with the seller on the price of the home if you do find any red flags. With a little due diligence, you can purchase a home with confidence knowing that the plumbing system is in good shape! Read on to learn more.
#1 – Check the water pressure
According to commercial plumbing specialists, one of the first things you should do is check the water pressure. This can be easily done by turning on all the faucets in the house and seeing how strong the flow of water is.
If the pressure is too low, it could be a sign of a problem with the main water line. Alternatively, if the pressure is too high, it could damage your plumbing fixtures over time. Ask the seller to turn on all the faucets in the house so you can see what kind of water pressure you’re working with.
#2 – Inspect all visible pipes for signs of leaks or damage
Make sure there are no drips or puddles around the base of the toilet. If you have a basement, go down and check for any leaks or damp spots on the floor or walls.
Take a tour of all the faucets and showers, making sure that there is the good water pressure and that the water runs clear. Inspect under the sinks for any sign of water damage.
#3 – Test all the drains to make sure they’re clear and functioning properly
You want to make sure that the drains are clear and functioning properly. There are a few ways that you can test the drains. One way is to pour a cup of water down each drain and see how long it takes for the water to drain.
You should also look for any water backups or slow draining. Another way to test the drains is to run the faucet in each sink and bathtub and flush all the toilets at the same time. This will give you an idea of how well the drains can handle multiple sources of water at once.
#4 – Flush all the toilets to check for proper function
Simply flush each toilet in the house to check that the water level rises and then falls as it should. You should also check for any leaks around the toilet and listen for any strange noises when it’s flushing.
#5 – Run the dishwasher and washing machine through a cycle
Check that the dishwasher and washing machine are draining properly. If you notice any water pooling around these appliances, it could be a sign of a leak in one of the lines.
#6 – Take a look at the water heater
Take a look at the water heater to see how old it is and whether it appears to be in good working condition. The average lifespan of a water heater is about eight to 12 years, so if yours is approaching that age, it may be time for a replacement.
Take a close look at the tank for any signs of rust or corrosion, as this can weaken the unit and lead to leaks. Also, check the manufacturer’s nameplate for the model number and basic information, as this can be helpful when shopping for a new water heater.
If everything looks good, then your water heater is probably in good working condition and doesn’t need to be replaced just yet. Additionally, it is best to ask a professional Bexley plumber for advice on how to maintain a water heater to avoid any problems in the future.
#7 – Ask about the septic system
Ask about the septic system, if applicable, when buying a new house. It is very important to know about the septic system and how it works! If you do not have a septic system, you may be required to install one, which can be expensive.
Ask about the size of the septic tank, the type of soil on the property, and the capacity of the septic system. Ask for a copy of the septic inspection report. The report will show the condition of the septic tank and the leach field.
Ask about the maintenance requirements for the septic system. Septic systems need to be pumped out every three to five years. This is important information to have so you can budget for future maintenance.
Also, it is a good idea to look for emergency plumbers from Botany, if you are in that area, for easy consultation and whenever you encounter plumbing problems in the future.
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