Have you been searching for the next place to call home? If so, congratulations on starting your journey to buy a house! No matter if you’re a first-time or experienced home buyer, there are various essential factors to consider and steps to follow before closing a deal. Of course, you want to find the best home that will most suit your family’s needs. So, searching can be a bit overwhelming as you look for things off your checklist. But in the middle of the busyness of everything, you also want to make sure to pay attention to the plumbing system during a house tour.
Identifying any possible plumbing problems before buying is important, as they can result in significant expenses and inconveniences later on. While not all red flags are automatic deal breakers, it’s reassuring to clearly understand the potential issues before committing. Luckily, Kettering Plumbing & Drain has created a list of five warning signs, or red flags, to look out for when evaluating a potential home.
RED FLAG 1: IS THE WATER HEATER OLDER?
If the house listing doesn’t provide information on the water heater, you can still get a rough idea of its age and condition by checking for signs of dust, rust, or water at the base of the unit. These signs may indicate poor maintenance, an old water heater, or issues with the water heater. If the unit is between 8-12 years old, it may need to be replaced soon. This is because a well-maintained water heater will typically last for this long. While it’s not a major warning, you’ll want to remain aware of this so you are not blindsided with a required replacement shortly after moving in.
RED FLAG 2: IS THERE LOW WATER PRESSURE?
Next, checking the water pressure during a house walk-through is important. To ensure sufficient water pressure throughout the house, we suggest testing all the faucets and showers. As you tour the home and check out the bathrooms and sinks, try letting the water run for a few minutes to get a better sense of the water pressure. Low water pressure can be a costly problem to fix, so you will want to be aware of this.
RED FLAG 3: IS THERE DAMAGE TO THE DRAINS OR WATER LINES?
To continue the inspection process, check visible drains and water lines. This step can work together with the previous one. While inspecting the water pressure of sinks and showers, examine each drain for any rust buildup. It’s uncommon, but rust buildup can be an expensive problem to reverse. Furthermore, check all exposed water lines, including those under your bathroom and kitchen sinks. Search for any signs of discoloration or leaks, and pay attention to dripping water when running the faucet.
RED FLAG 4: IS THERE WATER DAMAGE?
Knowing how to identify water damage is important since it can come in various forms and locations. Look for signs indicating its presence and refer to these tips for help.
- Check the base of the toilets in the house for any accumulation of water, which may indicate a leak and could lead to water damage in the nearby area.
- Make sure to examine all the ceilings in each room of the house for any water stains. Such stains might indicate previous leaks from either the roof or pipes.
- Please inspect the basement and crawlspaces, if possible, thoroughly for any indications of water stains or leaks. These areas are not invincible to leakage and can easily be overlooked.
RED FLAG 5: IS THERE A LACK OF MAINTENANCE RECORDS?
It’s important to ask probing questions about the plumbing system when buying a home. This will give you a clear understanding of its condition. Additionally, asking for the plumbing maintenance records can also provide you with extra assurance. A good tip is that if there are no maintenance records or the same area has been repaired repeatedly, this could be considered a red flag.
IS THERE A SOLUTION?
If you’re planning to buy a house, having peace of mind is important. Our plumbing inspection service is a great solution as it provides the reassurance you need. Our licensed plumbers will inspect the plumbing equipment, pipes, and drainage systems to ensure they are working properly. They will also review other essential plumbing sections and equipment to maximize performance. This inspection will help you decide if the home is right for your family or if you should continue your search for your dream home. Moreover, the inspection results may give you negotiating leverage, which could be advantageous to you. (You can request this service to be included in the terms if you decide to purchase the house. However, the owner will need to arrange this service.)
Do you need a reliable plumbing company? We are here and eager to assist you! Call Kettering Plumbing & Drain today at (937) 764-3788, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!