Purchasing a home should be a careful, prudent process. In your lifetime, a house is easily the most expensive purchase you will ever make. As a serious investment, a home should be able to demonstrate value for its price. One of the best ways to determine this is to examine its structural integrity, including its plumbing system. A damaged plumbing system is an insidious problem, and it can spike your repair and renovation expenses in a heartbeat. That’s why it is a good idea to schedule a plumbing inspection before buying a house. However, you can also keep an eye out for a few things during your walk-through.
Plumbing Problems Home Buyers Should Look For
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In this article, we discuss how to spot potential plumbing problems in your dream home. Here are the top issues to watch out for:
Sluggish Water Drainage
When performing a visual inspection of the house, test all water sources such as showers, faucets, sinks, and bathtubs. Turn on the faucets, then check how fast the water drains off. If drainage is slow, the pipes may be blocked at the very least or something far more serious is up with the plumbing system itself.
Water Leaks
Leaks are costly issues. They not only waste water (which you pay for), but they also cause long-term damage to the pipes, faucets, and sinks. Water leaks can also damage floors, walls, and ceilings, causing materials to rot or corrode, and encourage the growth of microorganisms such as mold and mildew. When checking a home, open cabinets under the sink and inspect corners where the pipes run. Leaks often leave behind water puddles, damp spots, mold or mildew, or signs of damage to the structure.
Damaged Plumbing Pipes
Perform a thorough inspection of the plumbing system as much as possible. Check the pipes and valves under sinks, faucets, and water supply lines. Inspect plumbing fixtures and fittings if they are still in good condition. Check for holes, leaks, rust, and mold. Look closely for any signs of condensation and standing water as well. Some damaged pipes are not easy to identify, but they will show certain signs that will tell you the true nature of their problem.
Low Water Pressure
Try turning on two or more faucets in the home and check if there is a significant drop in the water pressure. There are many reasons why the home may have low water pressure, and one of them is a serious blockage in the plumbing system. Water leaks can also cause this problem.
Aging Water Heater
On average, a water heater unit will last for about ten years or more if maintained exceptionally well. If you are buying a house, check to see if the water heater has seen many years of service. If the hot water heater is nearing a decade of use, it will likely begin to show signs of damage and wear-and-tear. If so, it means you, as the new homeowner, will have to replace it with a new one. While this possibility does not necessarily reduce the value of a home, it is a potential part of the cost you might have to shoulder in the near future.
Stains
Some types of floor, wall, and ceiling stains are caused by water leaks. When stains occur, it could be traced to a leaky pipe or a leaky roof. Always check the source of the stain, especially if it is water-related. If there is indeed a leaky pipe, there may be a more serious problem with the plumbing system. Keep in mind that to fix a water stain, you will have to repair the plumbing system and replace the leaky pipe and other affected parts of the home.
Stains may also hide a bigger problem that could increase the cost of repair and renovation. If there are water stains in areas where there is a likely leak in the plumbing system, make sure that these issues are resolved before buying.
Sewer Line Problems
Unless you have the knowledge and experience, call a professional plumber to perform an inspection of the sewer line running from the house to the street. Signs of corrosion, clogs, even tree roots near the sewer line can contribute to future damage and should be assessed by a trained plumber.
For A Knowledgeable & Trusted Plumber, Call Robinson Plumbing
For reliable plumbing services, contact Robinson Plumbing, one of the Lehigh Valley’s most trusted plumbing service companies. Our plumbing services range from professional plumbing inspections, water leak repairs, faucet repairs and replacements, clogged drains, to the installation of water-efficient plumbing fixtures. For any plumbing repairs, we always offer a wide range of solutions whenever possible. This way, you can choose the option that works best for your budget and family.
We are proud to offer the best and most affordable plumbing services in the Lehigh Valley. All of our plumbers have the proper licenses and experience to ensure your satisfaction. We back all of our work with a guarantee. Contact Robinson Plumbing today to schedule a free estimate.
Call us today at (610) 351-9889 or click here to contact us for any questions that you might have!