HOW TO CHECK PLUMBING BEFORE BUYING A NEW HOME

 

Since you’re reading these words, there’s a fair chance you’re on your way to purchasing a new home. If that’s the truth, you’re probably knee-deep in all the work that real estate transactions require you to do. There are many things one must pay attention to before sealing the deal. For instance, folks need to check how the plumbing system functions inside their soon-to-be-new home. You’ll want to know that’s precisely how we came up with the idea for today’s article. In it, we’ll show you how to check plumbing before buying a new home. Stay tuned for some helpful info! 

#1 WATCH OUT FOR NOISES

Do you hear a gurgling noise as the water flows down the drains? If so, that could very well mean your drains are blocked, most probably with kitchen scraps, oil, soap scum (what a syntagm!), or, of course, hair. Also, it could mean there are even tree roots and/or cracks present in the pipes. The latter’s a more serious issue, and it’ll cause you headaches since it can potentially do some good damage to your new house if it overflows.

If you’ve noticed gurgling sounds each time the water went down the drains, it might mean you’ve got some plumbing issues you’ll have to take care of in the coming days.

#2 GOOD OL’ WINTERIZED PIPES

Are you buying your new home in an area that’s well-known to experience harsh winters? If so, you’ll need to make sure it has a plumbing system capable of enduring such awful weather conditions. You’ll want to check if the pipes are wrapped and insulated since that means your potentially-new home has winterized pipes. Also, if the property you’re planning to buy uses well water, you’ll need to ensure that the well is well-protected from extreme winter temperatures, or deal with the frozen pipes instantly if that issue appears. 

#3 CHECK THE SEPTIC SYSTEM 

If your new home isn’t using the local sewerage but its septic system, you’ll want to make sure it runs properly. One of the most efficient ways you can do this is to run a video camera right through the system (in other words: you’ll have to hire someone to do that). Usually, issues with septic tanks are associated with broken septic pipes since these are installed pretty close to the surface. That makes them more vulnerable to corrosion and the ever-present issue of tree roots. 

#4 SCAN YOUR NEW HOME FOR WATER STAINS

Are you wondering how to check plumbing before buying a new home? The irritating presence of water stains on the ceiling or the walls of your new home is undoubtedly a sign of leaky pipes. Now, leaky pipes aren’t that costly to fix. However, repairing the damage done might prove to be a bit expensive. Also, you’ll want to scan the place for mold or mildew as well. 

# 4.1 A QUICK DIGRESSION

This isn’t that much of a digression since we’ll talk about the whole moving-to-your-new-home-after-you’ve-checked-the-plumbing ordeal. As we’ve already said, repairing the damage done by specific plumbing issues in your new home might turn out the be a bit expensive. Not to mention you’ll additionally have to set your budget for the relocation carefully, as you can’t calculate interstate moving costs in the blink of an eye. Make sure you don’t end up paying for something you could’ve done yourself. For instance, while many providers offer packing services, you might want to go DIY and save yourself some funds. Still, if the whole ordeal won’t launch you into poverty, you should put your stuff into the hands of professionals.

Save some money for plumbing repairs by packing for the move in a DIY manner.

#5 PRIMARY SEWER DRAIN

Are you buying a house that’s a bit aged? If so, this should be of particular interest to you. And not because the primary sewer drain might be breaking down due to old age, but there’s a good chance tree roots are growing into it. Because checking the state of the sewer isn’t something you’d call a piece of cake, you’ll want to consider hiring an experienced plumbing service provider which will organize a camera inspection. Remember that undiscovered sewer drain issues result in floods and water damage. 

#6 WATER METER ISSUES

One more thing you’ll have to check is your new home’s water meter. You’ll have to inspect to determine if there are any hidden leaks. So, how does one do it? Turn off every tap in your soon-to-be new home and pay close attention to the water meter. If you notice it’s still turning, that’ll probably mean there are some hidden leaks in the plumbing system of the home you’re planning to buy. There is no sealing the deal without a thorough inspection, just like there is no moving without careful planning and consideration. 

Before you can move into your inspected home, you’ll want to decide whether to go down the DIY route or hire moving professionals. This is solely your decision to make, as hiring movers such as a2bmovingandstorage.com can make the process significantly easier. They’ve been around for quite some time now, so there’s no reason not to listen to what they’ve got to say. But not everyone is financially capable of hiring a moving team, which is why the decision deserves some deliberation. 

#7 THE SHUT-OFF VALVE

The next item on our list of tips on how how to check plumbing before buying a new home is concerned with the shut-off valve inside the house you’re inspecting. You’ll want to close it entirely and afterward try turning on taps throughout the property. The shut-off valve’s probably gone bad if the water gushes out or drips slowly. Also, you’ll want to check any other valves (the ones that handle the water flow to the shower or toilet, for instance). 

When inspecting a house for plumbing issues, pay special attention to the main shut-off valve. If it’s closed and there’s still water coming out from the taps, that might mean the shut-off valve’s gone bad.

#8 WATER HEATER ISSUES

It’s safe to say this appliance is one of the critical elements of your new home’s plumbing system. Once you start the water heater inspection, look for:

• Rust or corrosion on the tank. 
• Odd noises coming from the tank.
• Present leaks at the outlet/inlet valves.
• Brownish/yellowish fluids coming from the hot water tap.

Also, don’t forget to check the age of the water heater since most models last for about fifteen years. One ought to check plumbing before buying a new home in great detail, as it prevents many potential problems down the line.