Plumbing problems to watch out for when homebuying
When you are in the market for a new home, one thing can derail the deal faster than anything else and that is plumbing. It’s easy to get swayed by a house that looks fantastic. Sometimes this can cause us to overlook certain things that we shouldn’t. Like the plumbing.
Many plumbing problems are simple to fix, others are costly. Then there are the problems that if not addressed can lead to a whole host of even more expensive problems.
Here are the red flags you need to watch our for when looking to buy a home:
Old water heater
The hot water tank is an important part of the home, everything from doing laundry to taking a shower is affected. The average water heater has about 10 years of life in it. If you are unsure of the age ask a professional. They will be able to look at the model and serial number and tell you if the tank needs to be replaced.
What happens to many people is they leave off getting a new hot water heater so long that the bottom of theirs rusts out which can cause serious flood damage.
Clogged drains
There are many things that can lead to clogged drains and serious leaks. You need to test each drain. Turn on each faucet and let it run for a couple of minutes. Then shut it off and see how fast it drains. It should be very fast.
You should also take a look under the sink for any leaks, water damage or mold. Also look to see if the drain line has been painted. This is often done to cover up dated systems or water damage.
Leaky toilet
If you can hear that a toilet is always running it could be due to a few different things. You could need a new chain or flapper or it could be something worse.
To check the condition of a toilet, look for damage to the area around it. Do you see any discoloration? Does the floor feel soft around it? Does the bowl wiggle in place? If the answer to any of those questions is yes you need to ask the seller why.
Outdated sewage system
It is vital that you know what kind of sewage system any home you’re considering has. If the house has a septic tank you need to know where it is located. Check around it for water, seepage or any unpleasant smells. These are big red flags that there is a problem.
You should have the sewage system inspected by a professional. These lines can get clogged by tree roots and old lines can even collapse. Both of which can lead to sewage backing up into the house.
Water pipes
One of the biggest dangers to the integrity of the home is water damage and nothing causes it faster than leaky pipes.
There are some warning signs for you to keep a lookout for. These include:
- Pinhole leaks
- Corroded joints
- Worn pipes
If the pipes are galvanized you need to find out the date and when they will need to be replaced.
A seemingly restricted flow could be due to the fact that the pipes are not big enough. These types of pipes need to be a minimum three-fourths of an inch at the main water source with all the other areas being at least half an inch.
The insulation of the pipes is also very important. This can save you a lot of money by conserving water as well as keeping the pipes from freezing and bursting.
Your home is a massive investment, one of the largest you will ever make. That’s why it’s important that you learn the ropes before you buy and get stuck with water damage.