Plumbing is one of those things that people considering purchasing a house rarely think of, but it should be an important consideration before signing the deal. Without a plumbing inspection, you may be buying someone else’s costly problems, which means you have to deal with the repairs. Following the below plumbing tips before you buy can help identify problems with the house’s existing plumbing. If unsure, it may be worth consulting a professional plumber.
1. Check the Toilets
The first plumbing tip involves checking toilets in the home for leaks or running water. A problem toilet can be a huge inconvenience - and at the worst times. Flush each toilet to see if the water runs out easily, and listen to ensure the tank is filling properly. Listen to see whether the toilet runs without reason. If the nearest sink makes noise after you flush, an improper venting issue could be the problem.
2. The Smell Test
Smelling the sinks may sound a little odd, but it’s well worth doing. Clogged drains may emanate foul-smelling odors, and a sink that smells can also indicate problems 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.
5. Check Under the Sink
Drain setups that are unconventional may make noises and cause issues later on in time. Looking under the sink may also reveal leaks from fittings or pipes, or water damage which may indicate previous leaks that may or may not have been fixed properly.
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 Water Heater?
Check the water heater and ask about the model. Many are easily accessible gas or electric ones. Check for damage from water or leaks. Also look for a floor drain. Turn on hot water faucet and the shower to test how quickly hot water reaches the tap, as well as the temperature of the water. Water heaters generally have a life expectancy of 7-10 years and are not cheap to replace so check the manufacture date which is normally found on a label on the side of the cylinder.
7. Septic System
Ask about the septic system if the house isn’t connected to a sewer. How old is the septic system? When was it last serviced? How often does it need to be serviced? While you may not be knowledgeable about septic systems, the homeowner should be, especially if he or she has lived in the house for some time.
The Importance of the Self-Inspection
The above plumbing tips will help you check for potential costly issues with the house you’re considering buying. However, having your house inspected by a professional plumber before purchasing is always the best idea. Inspections can help avoid expenses down the line and will ensure you have a neutral, expert opinion on the state of the plumbing.
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