When you’re investing in a new home, you need to do your due diligence beforehand — that is, you need to make sure the home is in the condition you think it’s in before signing on the dotted line. The last thing you want is for one of the home’s major systems to falter and leave you with expensive repairs even before you’ve unpacked your bags.
Your home’s plumbing system should be at the top of your due diligence list. Here’s a prospective home-buyer's plumbing guide that indicates what you should look for when considering a property:
- Function: Go around the house and make sure all the toilets flush and all the sinks and showers work. As you test them out, make sure the faucets can return both hot and cold water.
- Pressure: As you’re checking the faucets, make sure there’s plenty of water pressure. A lack of water pressure can be a sign of more serious plumbing issues lingering beneath the surface.
- Drips: As you turn off sinks and showers, make sure there’s no dripping. Drips are signs the house is experiencing leaks, which can add to your regular utility bill and also lead to expensive repairs.
- Staining, Warping and Rust: Look in the areas around appliances that connect to the home's plumbing. You want to look for warping floors around the toilet, dishwasher and refrigerator. Make sure the flooring is solid in each of these areas and that there's no staining. Similarly, look for staining on the ceiling below where second-floor bathrooms are located. Any sort of musty smell could also indicate a long-term leak that needs attention.
- Service History: If the home uses a septic tank, make sure to get its service history. You’ll want to know the last time the tank was emptied, as well as how regularly it’s been serviced.
It’s always a good idea to call in a professional when you’re going through the home inspection process, too. This is especially important when you’re considering an older home that may have an aging plumbing system. Buying a new home is a huge investment, so make a small investment in getting the plumbing system checked out by a professional to avoid getting into a tough situation.
At Mr. Rooter of Oneida, we have the experience and knowledge needed to thoroughly examine a home’s plumbing system. If you want added peace of mind and comprehensive information about a home’s plumbing before you make a purchase, we’re only a phone call away.