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Plumbing is one of the most important things to consider when purchasing a home yet it is the last thing that most homeowners consider. Unfortunately, a lot of people buy houses without inspecting the status of the plumbing system and end up paying large amounts for expensive repairs or replacements afterwards. Any home might have plumbing problems, many of which may not be visible to the human eye without certain testings and inspections. We’ve curated a list of things one should consider when purchasing a property to make the process less stressful.
Toilets
A leaking toilet foundation is one problem that many homeowners overlook. Such leaks may appear insignificant at first, but ultimately cause the subfloor to deteriorate — and water from these leaks may even make its way between the completed floor and the subfloor. Some homeowners, unaware of the extent of the damage, seek to seal the foundation themselves, exacerbating the condition.
When inspecting the toilets, these are some signs that may cause bigger problems in the future:
- Warping or discoloration around the toilet’s base
- Soft or spongy floors
- Shaking or sliding of toilet bowl
These might indicate that either the seal is faulty or the flange isn’t entirely secure.
Sewer
While we’re on the subject of toilets, we’d like to bring your attention to another vital aspect of your plumbing inspection: the sewer.
Sewer-related issues are one of the last issues you want to cope with when moving into a new home since they are nasty, stinky, and expensive. Inquire about the home’s sewage system when you’re looking at it. Find out where the septic tank is, its size, the position of the pipes leading to it, and the most recent service date if the house has one. Scrutinize the area around the tank for any signs of seepage, such as foul odors or standing water.
You should also examine the main sewage drain, especially if the property is vintage, because the drain may have been clogged by tree roots or maybe degrading due to age. However, determining the status of the sewer drain is difficult. Keep in mind that many sewer-related concerns necessitate pricey repairs. If a professional plumber detects any of these issues before you close on a house, don’t close unless the owner fixes it or gives a considerable reduction in their asking price.
Pipes:
Plumbing pipes provide an essential function, but since they are located behind walls and beneath foundations, homeowners are often unaware of pipe-related difficulties until they have caused significant damage. The following are some features of the pipe that should be inspected.
- Size of the pipe: Poor water pressure is something we’ve all experienced at some point and it’s usually the consequence of inadequate pipes. You may find out if your house has enough water pressure by evaluating the size of the water pipes and then visiting an expert or you could also do your own research. For example, PVC water pipes running to the home from the water supply should be three-quarters of an inch in diameter, and pipes leading to the faucets should be at least half an inch in diameter.
- The pressure of water: Monitoring the hot water pressure is another approach to detect whether something is amiss with the pipes. Galvanized pipes are seen in homes constructed before 1980, posing problems for homeowners. In addition, they corrode considerably faster than PVC pipes, and hot water pipes are usually the first to fail. Therefore, one should check the hot water pressure first. Low pressure might indicate that the pipelines are rusted or blocked.
- Underneath the sink: Because hot water pipes fail first, some previous owners may have had problems with their lines. Examine the sinks to determine whether the pipes have been replaced. Plumbing pipes are installed into the walls of new homes by contractors. Going through walls for repairs and improvements, on the other hand, is far more expensive and time-consuming, so they choose to go through floors instead.
- Water meter: When the water is turned on in the house, a dial on the water meter indicates the water flow. Cut off all of the water in the home and check the meter to ensure nothing is flowing. If the dial moves even little, there is most certainly a leak. Remember that leaks do not permanently discolor floors or walls straight once; some are more subtle, and you may not even be conscious of them until your jacuzzi collapses from the main bathroom.
Doing a plumber check is necessary if you’re looking to buy a house. Plumbing problems are among the most prevalent concerns that new homeowners experience and they are sometimes challenging to discover with a cursory examination.