subject: Plumbing Considerations When Looking Into A New Home [print this page] Plumbing is one of those things that folk considering getting a house barely think about, however it should be a very important consideration before putting a signature on the deal. Without a plumbing inspection, you can be purchasing somebody else's expensive problems, which suggests you have to handle the repairs. Following the below plumbing tips before you purchase can help identify issues with the house's existing plumbing. If unsure, it could be worth consulting a pro plumber.
1. Check the Toilets : the 1st plumbing tip involves checking toilets in the home for leaks or running water. An issue toilet could be a large aggravation - and at the worst times. Flush each toilet to determine if the water runs out simply, and listen to guarantee the tank is filling correctly. Hear see if the can runs without reason. If the closest sink makes noise after you flush, a wrong venting issue might be the difficulty.
2. The Smell Test : Smelling the sinks may appear a small peculiar, but it is definitely worth doing. Clogged drains may emanate foul-smelling odours, and a sink that smells can also indicate issues with septic or sewage systems.
3. Watch for Drainage Problems : Run the water from all taps to see whether the flow is good and that the water smells fresh. At the same time, watch to see how quickly water drains, and listen for gurgling or unusual noises. Slow draining in one sink alone may mean there is clogging in the pipe, but if there is noise or slow drainage in all sinks, that could indicate problems with the plumbing septic and sewer systems. Similarly, if the lowest sink in the house drains poorly, septic and sewer issues could be the culprit.
4. Check Under the Sink : Drain setups that are novel may make noises and cause issues later in time. Looking under the sink might also show leaks from fittings or pipes, or water damage that may indicate prior leaks that might or might not have been fixed correctly.
5. Check the Water Pressure : A great plumbing tip to verify water pressure is to run each tap and watch the pressure of the water that comes out. Changes in pressure may indicate issues with the water pressure tank. The tank may need air, though a frequent, clicking pump may also be the problem, indicating a short cycle.
6. How Old is the hot water heater? : Check the hot water heater and ask about the model. Many are easily accessed gas or electrical ones. Check for damage from water or leaks. Also look for a floor drain. Turn on hot water faucet and the shower to check how fast hot water reaches the tap in addition to the temperature of the water. Water heaters usually have a survival expectancy of 7-10 years and aren't cheap to replace so check the creation date which is typically found on a label on the side of the cylinder.
7. Septic System : Ask about the septic system if the house isn't hooked up to a sewer. How old is the septic system? When was it last serviced? How frequently does it have to be serviced? While you may not be knowledgeable about septic systems, the homeowner should be, particularly if she has lived in the house for a while.
The above plumbing tips may help you check for potential costly issues with the house you are considering purchasing. But having your place checked by a pro plumber before buying is always the best idea. Inspections can assist in avoiding costs along the line and will make sure you've got a neutral, expert opinion about the state of the plumbing.
