Are you looking to purchase a home? Before placing the down payment, several plumbing checks must be done to ensure that your new home’s plumbing system is in great shape. Purchasing a new home isn’t a walk in the park. It could prove daunting. When looking to buy a particular piece of property, you precisely must know what you are paying for. Since purchasing a new home is among the most significant decisions, you shouldn’t dive into it without ensuring that you are 100% sure of the state of the various components.
You should know what you are being left with and perform a pre-purchasing inspection of your to-be home. This involves hiring a plumber to perform a plumbing inspection and a wiring technician to inspect the electrical wiring. Doing this will save you from costly surprises and any unnecessary costs down the line. Imagine planning to move into your new home only to learn later that you must effect major plumbing renovations.
There are different areas of the plumbing system that your plumber will inspect to ensure that the plumbing system is in excellent condition. With their experience, the professionals will know exactly where and what to look for when performing the pre-purchase home inspection. Is your home old? You should also inspect for pests. The plumbing system might also be outdated and requires an upgrade. Below are the leading plumbing inspections that a plumber will take:
Water Heater
There may be problems with the water heater, regardless of its brand or model. Leaks in the hot water system, rusty water, and poor water temperature and pressure are a few issues that a water heater may encounter. A water heater’s lifespan is typically 10 years. It might be time to have a plumber perform an upgrade if the water heater tank is older. It is preferable to have a water heater that fits your needs and way of life because all heating systems have different capacities.
Drains and Sewer Line
In properties built many years ago, the tree roots are likely to have penetrated the pipework. Further, the pipes might start cracking and get damaged because of poor installation, rust, or even changes in water pressure. Clogged drainage or sewer lines is a common plumbing issue some Callahan, FL, homeowners have faced for some time. Unfortunately, unclogging the drains isn’t the only issue you might encounter. There are a multitude of problems associated with the drains, including slowly moving water, foul odors, recurring clogs, and flooding.
Fortunately, many signs might indicate a drainage issue, including a gurgling or backing-up sink. Hence, watch out for gurgling and surcharging from the drains. This might be a sign that there is an impending blockage or even a problem with the drainage pipes. You might also notice a puddle of water in your yard. The plumber will check for apparent indicators of overflowing water near or at the overflow gullies. They are equipped with HD inspection cameras that push down the plumbing during the inspection. This will help them determine if there are any cracks, leaks, clogs, or even corrosion.
Fixtures (Shower, Taps, Toilets)
One of the most often utilized spaces on your property is the bathroom. It should help with washing and garbage removal and be fully functional. Leaks and drips must not occur when using the sink and shower taps. You can notice a running toilet bowl or slow draining water if there are problems with your toilet’s flushing system. Run all of the showers to check the water pressure. Low pressure may indicate a more severe problem, such as an invisible leak or clog. The plumber will check that the water is draining freely and that none of the fixtures are leaking while you are there. They will inspect the washroom for leaks from various fixtures or water damage on multiple surfaces and cabinets.
Pipework
If tree roots penetrate underground pipes, they may get old and corroded or break and crack. Galvanized steel pipes, which rust and corrode with time, may occasionally be found in older homes. Or you might discover that your piping is moving and banging against the walls. Look at the walls in your Callahan, FL, home. Can you see mold and water stains? Make sure the pipes in your new home are the right size.
The water pressure would be lower, and the likelihood of future damage increases if the pipework is too narrow. Since the pipes are an integral part of any new home, any compromise on them might mean there will be further issues down the line, such as flooding. Having a professional plumber inspect them before you purchase a home will help determine the extent of the damage. You can use the report of the evaluation or inspection to negotiate for a better price.
Water Meter
Is the water meter still ticking even after all the faucets are turned off or not used? That is a sign of a leak. Before purchasing that house, the plumber should inspect the water meter and, should such be diagnosed, have the realtor perform the repairs. This is because if not fixed, you might incur high water utility bills at the end of the month.
Even if you cannot determine where the leak is, that doesn’t mean it isn’t there. It might be happening behind the walls, underground pipes, or below the slab. Hence having a professional inspect the plumbing system is crucial. It is also a great idea to check the water pressure as it might be a sign of issues within the pipes.
Always Conduct Pre-Purchase Plumbing Inspections
A plumber might inspect many other areas before you purchase, though these are the main ones. A homeowner should have a professional inspect the plumbing system before signing that transfer deed. Are you planning to purchase a home in Callahan, FL? Contact us at Bert Norman’s Plumbing for a pre-purchase plumbing inspection.