More house buyers are getting the plumbing checked before they buy that dream property. It’s a good idea to make sure the inspection takes place before any legally binding agreement is made. If there is a problem with dirty water pumps or the sewers, you want to know about these while you are still in a position to negotiate about repairs.
1. Take a good look at the toilets
These are necessary yet often overlooked. That leak at the base may appear to be minor, but there could be a whole world of problems involved. No leak is ever a beneficial thing, and they don’t tend to repair themselves, so beware. As time goes on, the escaping fluid could make the floor directly underneath the toilet rot. Water could even find its way between the sub-floor and the floor beneath that. Trying to fix this yourself could trap water and cause even greater problems.
It’s important to look for signs of leaking at the toilet base, such as stains or warped flooring. Then check to see if the floor has sustained significant damage by testing whether it is yielding in any way. Do this by applying your body weight via your foot at the base. After that, grab the toilet bowl on both sides and attempt to move it. Hopefully, it will feel firm and secure.
2. Consider the sewers: Dirty water pumps
They aren’t really a subject close to anyone’s heart, but if you are in any doubt about the condition of the sewer connection between the prospective new home and the main municipal sewer, then get it assessed. As the sewers are often many feet below the surface, repairs can be extremely costly. It is possible to use a camera to investigate any possible clogs and to examine the state of the drain. If it is about to collapse, then this is something you should know. Any dirty water pumps might need replacing too. Any drainage problem needs to be investigated fully to prevent a lot of stress further down the line.
3. How are the water heaters holding up?
Depending on the quality of the water, maintenance and how much the heater is used, the typical model lasts around a decade. If the unit is heating your home as well as your water, its life could be considerably shorter. Water heaters can suffer from a variety of maladies, so these are another important feature to look at. If something goes wrong, it is not just the heater you have to worry about but the surroundings, too. If the tank leaks, will it ruin expensive hardwood flooring? What about the carpets? The heater may be located in a garage, but if it malfunctions and leaks, any flooring on the same level is vulnerable.
Although often placed in areas where they are barely noticeable, a leaking water heater will cause damage that will be extremely noticeable. Employ a licensed plumber to check the state and age of the heater, along with whether it is matched to the size of the home and the needs of your family. Sometimes a large water heater has been replaced with a small one that will not be adequate.
If you engage a professional to look at the plumbing, it is an excellent idea to arrange to be there with them as they conduct the inspection. Ask lots of questions and take notes. Spending a little extra on this procedure could make a big difference between feeling happy with your intended purchase or rethinking whether you really want to buy it at all. For more information see 5 signs you should call a plumber.
