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Inspect A Home's Plumbing Before Purchasing

Buying a new home is exciting, but it is important to know exactly what you are buying before signing any papers. Having any plumbing repairs or having to add new appliances can quickly add up, especially if they are needed shortly after moving into the new home. If you do find any problems ahead of time, ask that the previous owner drop the overall cost of the home so these repairs can be fixed. Here are some tips on what you should be looking for to know what plumbing features you should be inspecting before buying a new home.


Water Supply and Toilets

Older homes can be easily identified by the type of pipes they have. Steel and lead piping are materials that were very common 30-40 years ago but are currently not being used in modern day home plumbing. If an older house has updated copper or plastic piping, it's safe to say that the original pipes have been replaced over the years. If a home has the original steel or lead pipes, be prepared for possible plumbing repairs or plumbing replacements shortly down the road. 

Working toilets are essential when moving in, so be on the lookout for any issues with these immediately. Checking for any leaks or poor drainage, because both can lead to expensive toilet repairs or toilet replacements. Be sure to flush every toilet in the home when you do the walk through to make sure all the water drains properly and that there are no obvious clogs or back ups.

Main Home Sewer Line

This almost always requires the help of a professional plumber, but is worth your while. Sewer repairs can cost a home owner thousands of dollars, so avoid any headaches right off the bat by having a licensed plumber conduct a sewer line camera inspection. This can show if there are tree roots growing into the main plumbing line or if there is broken concrete laying on or across the drain line. Again, any issues you find like this should be presented to the original seller of the home so you can ask for repairs in advance or a price reduction on the home before purchase.

Hot Water Heater Tank

If you are deciding on purchasing an old home, the water heater should be one of the main things you check. On average, water heaters only last for an average of 10-15 years. If the current water tank is nearing 15 years old, be prepared to replace it relatively soon. To find the age of the water heater tank, check the brand and model and the serial number. An expert plumber can help you determine the age of the tank based on this information or even a quick Google search if need be.

Even in new homes, be sure to inspect the hot water heater tank for any leaks or strange noises or rust anywhere around the tank. You should be safe rather than sorry.

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Location: Brookfield, IL, USA

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