What to Look for in Plumbing When Buying a Home

Buying a new home can be a time-consuming process. After working out all the financing details, you may not be prepared to do a proper inspection of the plumbing in the new house.

Plumbing issues are among the most common problems new homeowners face after they move in. This is because most plumbing issues may not be discovered during a casual inspection. To save yourself the cost of major repairs after you buy a home, here are some of the most important plumbing features to look at.

1. Faucets, Sinks and Toilets

Sinks and toilets can give you a good idea of the water pressure and general health of the plumbing system in a home. You should:

• Turn on each faucet in the house
• See that the water drains quickly from each sink
• Check for leaks beneath and around the faucet and below the sink
• Flush every toilet to see if all the water drains out
• Look around the base of the toilet and water chamber for leakage
• Leaks and poor drainage need to be repaired promptly, because they could lead to costly repairs

2. Main Sewer Drain

In older homes, tree roots may be growing into the main sewer drain. It may also be breaking down due to age. Verifying the state of the sewer is not a simple task. It can't be done by flushing toilets or checking sinks. You will need a licensed plumber to help you do a camera inspection.

Bear in mind that when the main sewer is damaged, it usually requires expensive repairs. This applies to issues like collapsed concrete and tree roots. But if these problems are discovered by a professional plumbing inspection, you can request that the seller fixes them or reduces the cost of the home by the amount required for the repairs.

3. Water Heater

Water heater replacement can be a significant expense after you have just paid for a new home. So, take a close look at the water heater and check for the following:

• The age of the water heater (most are built to last for 12 to 15 years)
• The presence of leaks at the inlet or outlet valves while it’s in operation
• Strange noises in the tank when you switch it on
• Muddy or sandy water comes out of the hot water faucet
• Corrosion or rust on any part of the tank

4. Water Meter and Supply

Inspecting the water meter can help you detect the presence of hidden leaks in the plumbing system. Turn off each of the faucets and then look at the water meter. The water meter should have stopped. If it’s still turning, it means there's a leak somewhere in the plumbing system.

You also need to look at the shut-off valve. Close the valve fully and try to turn on some faucets in the house. If water drips or gushes out, the valve is faulty. In addition to the main shutoff valve, you also need to look at other valves that control the flow of water to other fixtures like the toilet, shower and kitchen faucets.

Conclusion

A professional plumbing inspection is essential when you’re planning to buy a new home. Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Greater Syracuse is licensed to carry out professional home inspections. It could save you thousands of dollars after you move into your new house. Call us for a free quote on a comprehensive home inspection today.

Buying a new home can be a time-consuming process. After working out all the financing details, you may not be prepared to do a proper inspection of the plumbing in the new house.

Plumbing issues are among the most common problems new homeowners face after they move in. This is because most plumbing issues may not be discovered during a casual inspection. To save yourself the cost of major repairs after you buy a home, here are some of the most important plumbing features to look at.

1. Faucets, Sinks and Toilets

Sinks and toilets can give you a good idea of the water pressure and general health of the plumbing system in a home. You should:

• Turn on each faucet in the house
• See that the water drains quickly from each sink
• Check for leaks beneath and around the faucet and below the sink
• Flush every toilet to see if all the water drains out
• Look around the base of the toilet and water chamber for leakage
• Leaks and poor drainage need to be repaired promptly, because they could lead to costly repairs

2. Main Sewer Drain

In older homes, tree roots may be growing into the main sewer drain. It may also be breaking down due to age. Verifying the state of the sewer is not a simple task. It can't be done by flushing toilets or checking sinks. You will need a licensed plumber to help you do a camera inspection.

Bear in mind that when the main sewer is damaged, it usually requires expensive repairs. This applies to issues like collapsed concrete and tree roots. But if these problems are discovered by a professional plumbing inspection, you can request that the seller fixes them or reduces the cost of the home by the amount required for the repairs.

3. Water Heater

Water heater replacement can be a significant expense after you have just paid for a new home. So, take a close look at the water heater and check for the following:

• The age of the water heater (most are built to last for 12 to 15 years)
• The presence of leaks at the inlet or outlet valves while it’s in operation
• Strange noises in the tank when you switch it on
• Muddy or sandy water comes out of the hot water faucet
• Corrosion or rust on any part of the tank

4. Water Meter and Supply

Inspecting the water meter can help you detect the presence of hidden leaks in the plumbing system. Turn off each of the faucets and then look at the water meter. The water meter should have stopped. If it’s still turning, it means there's a leak somewhere in the plumbing system.

You also need to look at the shut-off valve. Close the valve fully and try to turn on some faucets in the house. If water drips or gushes out, the valve is faulty. In addition to the main shutoff valve, you also need to look at other valves that control the flow of water to other fixtures like the toilet, shower and kitchen faucets.

Conclusion

A professional plumbing inspection is essential when you’re planning to buy a new home. Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Greater Syracuse is licensed to carry out professional home inspections. It could save you thousands of dollars after you move into your new house. Call us for a free quote on a comprehensive home inspection today.