Quick and Easy Plumbing Checks To Do Before Buying a New Home

quick plumbing checks

If you’re planning on buying a new house anytime soon, plumbing is among the topmost features you should thoroughly evaluate before sealing the deal. No new homeowner wants the unpleasant surprise of leaky pipes or water damage in the house just a few days after moving in.

To make sure you don’t face any such problems, read on for some crucial tips on how to check the plumbing of any house (before you buy it!).

Here’s a list of the top 5 things you should keep an eye out for when doing a plumbing check on a new house. Let’s dive in!

Run All Taps for Signs of Blockage

Although this sounds like a no-brainer, make sure to check every tap and shower in the house by turning it on for a few seconds. You should look for signs of blockage, such as limited flow or water coming out in fits and starts.

Also, note the pressure of the water—high pressure could potentially damage your pipes, whereas low pressure would be highly inconvenient or suggest a blockage somewhere in the system.

Examining the colour and odour of the water as the tap runs is crucial because if it’s rusty or malodorous, this could be a sign of damage to the pipes or contaminated water, which is a health hazard.

However, sometimes rusty water is simply due to the fact that the faucet hasn’t been used for some time. To be on the safe side, get the taps checked to rule out any possibility of rusty or corroded pipelines.

Check for Leaks and Discolouration

The last thing you want on your hands when you move into your new house is faulty and leaky pipes. Before moving in, examine every nook and cranny for sneaky signs of water damage—this could be anything from warping and mould around the toilet to weird stains on the ceiling and walls.

Another thing you should do is test out the toilets by flushing thoroughly and checking the flow and level of the water in the bowl. Note any suspicious odours or tell-tale signs of leaky pipes, such as water around the sink or other bathroom fixtures, and get them inspected by a plumber.

Test Out the Hot Water

Checking the hot water system is an essential part of any plumbing inspection—after all, showering with icy cold water in winter isn’t exactly ideal for anyone. Water heaters are also pretty expensive to replace, so ensure you thoroughly run hot water in all the taps and showers and inspect the water heater for any signs of damage.

Another thing to keep in mind is that water heating systems usually wear out after ten years, so finding out the installation date of the heater might help give you an idea of whether you would need to replace the heater in the next few years.

quick plumbing checks

Examine Sewer Lines

Problems with the sewer lines can cause the pipes to clog up and lead to a build-up of sewage and foul odour. If there are any signs indicating sewer line obstruction, get a camera inspection of the pipes done to rule out corrosion or leaks.

Deep tree roots can sometimes grow towards the lines and damage them. Improper pipe drainage can be a big nuisance for homeowners, so it is essential to evaluate the drainage system thoroughly.

Contact Previous Owners

If the house was occupied until recently, you can contact the previous owners and ask questions about the plumbing and water quality. Ask about any repairs or work done on the pipes, bathroom fixtures, etc.

This will help you get an idea of the general condition of the pipes and what costs you can expect in the future. However, don’t just rely on the word of the previous owners but get your own quality inspection done as well.

Get Help From A Professional Plumber

Last but not least, if plumbing systems puzzle you entirely or you notice signs of water damage anywhere in the house. According to expert property buyers, you should contact a professional plumber to help you out. A good plumber will help you evaluate the existing condition of your pipes and drainage system, advise on how to maintain it, and check for signs of damage.

Conclusion

In a nutshell, the main aspects of plumbing that you should check in any house before purchase are the flow of water in the taps and showers, hot water availability, and the condition of the pipes and drainage system. Look out for signs of water damage, such as leaks, discolouration, stains, or mould anywhere in the house.

Pay particular attention to the bathroom fixtures and make sure to test the toilet by flushing and checking the water level. Reach out to a professional plumber if you are unfamiliar with the technicalities of plumbing or notice any signs of damage!