If you are currently in the process of searching for your place to call “home”, you’re likely already aware of how buying a house is a huge undertaking. While it’s true that it can be exciting, it can definitely be overwhelming. There are a lot of critical factors to consider and things to take into consideration before making your final decision. But amidst the busyness of things, we want to remind you not to forget about one crucial element – the home’s plumbing system. So, while you are looking at prospective homes, assessing each space and area for your family’s needs, be sure to keep an eye out for red flags in the plumbing system as well. You may be wondering how to do this, but luckily, we’ve already thought ahead for you. Your Springboro Plumbing & Drain professionals have created a list of five red flags as you that any homebuyer can pinpoint while touring potential homes.
DO YOU KNOW THE AGE OF THE WATER HEATER?
Most house listings have information about the water heater and other units in the home. But in case a listing doesn’t mention much about the water heater, you can perform a quick once-over yourself of the water heater to estimate its age and condition. For example, if you notice an excessive amount of dust accumulation, signs of corrosion, or water puddles around the base of the unit, it may indicate poor maintenance or underlying problems with the water heater. Because water heaters typically last 8-12 years, if you purchase a home with an older water heater, you may need to plan for a replacement soon after moving. Though it shouldn’t be a deal breaker, it’s good to be aware beforehand so that you are not blindsided shortly afterward.
DOES THE WATER PRESSURE FEEL LOW?
During a house tour, it’s easy to forget about the importance of checking the water pressure. However, it’s still important to test the faucet and showers for low water pressure. So, as you walk through the home, make it a point to check the water pressure in both the bathrooms and kitchen. Though poor water pressure can be fixed, it can also be pricey to repair. For this reason, knowing about the water pressure beforehand can keep you from another unpleasant surprise.
DO THE DRAINS AND WATER LINES LOOK DAMAGED?
Next, you’ll want to focus on the drains and visible water lines while you check the water pressure of the bathrooms and kitchen. So, take a quick look at the drains and see if there is any rust buildup. Though this is usually a rare issue that occurs, it’s not impossible, and again it can be costly to fix. In addition, you should inspect all the water lines that are visible like those under the sinks. Just do this by performing a quick scan underneath each sink to check for indications of discoloration, and while the faucet is turned on, make sure no water is dripping under the sink too.
DO YOU SEE SIGNS OF WATER DAMAGE?
Water damage is a real issue that should not be ignored, making it essential to know what to look for. Here are some useful tips on how to identify spaces affected by water damage.
- Inspect the bases of the toilets in the house and look for any signs of pooling or puddles. It might indicate leakage in the toilet and water damage nearby if you notice any.
- Previous leaks from a pipe or the roof may result in brown spotting on the ceiling, so be sure to look up and inspect the ceiling throughout the house.
- Check the basements and crawlspaces (when possible) for any water stains or signs of leaks as you continue your tour.
DO YOU KNOW THE HOME’S HISTORY?
Last but not least, don’t be shy to ask questions you may have about the plumbing system of a home you’re considering purchasing. It’s important to know its condition, so you should never feel like it is a bother to ask probing questions. Furthermore, requesting the home’s plumbing maintenance and repair history is also a good idea if you are actually pursuing the sale of the house. Having records could be helpful later on, and a lack of maintenance records over an extended period of time is a red flag you want to know about. On top of that, an excessive number of repairs to a particular area can be considered a cause for concern.
WHY GET A PLUMBING INSPECTION?
To make sure you have peace of mind before making a big commitment, you can request to have a plumbing inspection service completed on the home’s plumbing system. Although it may seem unnecessary, our licensed local plumbers perform a detailed evaluation and inspection of all the plumbing equipment, pipes, and drainage systems. They will examine various important plumbing areas and ensure everything is functioning properly and meeting the required standards. This can give you the confidence you need to make your final decision to move forward or if the results will provide you with the closure you need to walk away from the sale. On the other hand, it may also give you leverage in negotiations for a better deal. Keep in mind that for this to be completed, it is typical that this arrangement is to be made by the homeowner.
Hopefully, these points have provided some useful insights as you search for your dream home. If you are in need of a dependable plumbing company to assist you with your plumbing needs, we are here to help! Call Springboro Plumbing & Drain today at (937) 912-1338, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
