Buying a new home is a daunting experience, especially for first-time buyers. Knowing a few tips and tricks of what to look for can save a lot of time, stress, and money down the road. Plumbing is one of the most important systems within a home. Also, it is one of the most costly to repair when things go wrong.
However, you can check the system on your own or even hire a professional to do an Allentown PA plumbing inspection. A reputable plumber will give you their honest opinion of the condition of a home’s plumbing. They use a thorough home plumbing inspection checklist to go through the system to verify that it is working properly. In this article, we will share some valuable advice on how to avoid the pitfalls of buying a home with plumbing problems.
Be Assertive
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When you find a home you want to buy…
don’t be afraid to ask the realtor or sellers questions. Full disclosure is the protocol. If there is nothing to hide, there should be no issues with asking questions regarding the state of the plumbing. Make arrangements to inspect the plumbing yourself. Wear appropriate clothes, and take a good flashlight to help you see in those dark nooks and crannies.
What to Check:
Shut-Off Valve
First, you will want to locate the home’s shut-off valve. Ensure that it is in working order. This is of great importance when it comes to a potential leak and when you need to shut the water off in a hurry.
Pipe Material
You will also want to inquire into what type of pipes…
are in the home. Older homes will sometimes have lead or galvanized pipes. We now know these types of pipes to be toxic. Lead or galvanized pipes is something you will want to avoid, especially if looking for a child-friendly home.
Hot Water Heater
Unless you don’t mind cold showers, inspect the hot water heater. Do a little research beforehand and find out what size you would need for the amount of people living in the home. Check for signs of corrosion or mineral deposit. These will indicate age and longevity of the current tank. Water heaters are not a huge expense to replace. However, it does play an important role within the home, so be sure to check it out.
Water Pressure
Investigating the home’s water pressure…
is also a great idea. This is evident in the flow of the water from taps and shower heads. Also, finding out the size of the pipes will reveal any potential water pressure issues.
Type Of Sewage System
Find out whether the home uses the municipal sewer system or an installed septic tank. If it is the latter, look at the papers indicating where the tank and its lines are on the property. Find out what its age is. Be sure to find out when a plumber came to service it last. Inspect the area around the tank for any signs of leakage or foul odors. You don’t want to mess with septic tank repairs or replacement costs. Services like these can run in the thousands.
Faucets & Plumbing Fixtures
Lastly, walk through the home, check all the faucets…
for leaks and drips. Check the water pressure of each fixture. Turn on the showers, especially those far away from the water source. Make note of any water pressure issues. Flush the toilets. Make sure they empty and refill quickly and with ease. Check the drains and make sure that they do not have a clog. When there are various drains that have clogs, this is an indicator of a major issue with the pipes.
Plumbing Inspection Allentown PA
Robinson Plumbing offers professional and trusted plumbing services throughout the Lehigh Valley. If you are buying a house, it is important to inspect the plumbing system before signing any paperwork. You can also call us to conduct a thorough inspection to verify that the plumbing system is a good condition. This can save you hundreds if not thousands of dollars from plumbing repairs in the future. Be sure to call us today to schedule an appointment. When working with us, you can expect knowledgeable, friendly, and trusted services.
Some of the areas we service include: Allentown, Catasauqua, Coplay, Laurys Station and these zip codes: 18101, 18032, 18037, 18059 as well as all surrounding areas in the Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania.
Call us today at (610) 351-9889 or contact us for any questions that you might have!