If you’re in the market to buy a house, congrats! Buying a home is an exciting step, whether you are a first-time home buyer or a seasoned one. There are many important factors to consider and steps to go through before a house sale is completed. In fact, knowing what to look for in a plumbing system is crucial during the search process. As you tour prospective homes assessing each house and deciding whether or not the home is suitable for your family’s needs, don’t forget to be on the lookout for red flags in a house’s plumbing system.
Buying a house is a huge commitment, and the last thing you need after making such a big purchase is to be caught off guard by a costly plumbing expense. Fortunately, your Beavercreek Plumbing & Drain experts have compiled a list of 5 red flags every homebuyer should look for when touring potential homes.
Red Flag Number One: How Old is the Water Heater?
Often, the house listing will contain info on the water heater in the home. But in the case, it does not, it’s okay to inquire about the water heater’s age if you are still interested in the house after your walk-through. Keep in mind that water heaters generally have a lifespan of about 8-12 years. So, depending on the age of the unit, you may need to start planning to replace the water heater in the near future should you move forward with the purchase.
On top of that, during your house tour, you can give the water heater a quick once over to get a rough idea of its age and condition. Signs of excessive dust buildup, corrosion, or even puddles around the unit’s base may indicate that the water has not been well maintained or has an underlying issue.
Red Flag Number Two: Does the Water Pressure Function Well?
Checking the water pressure during a house walk-through is often overlooked. Yet it’s an important thing to check for, as dealing with poor water pressure is not exactly a fun thing to deal with. Therefore, it would not be a bad idea to check each faucet and shower as you walk through the house. Try turning on the water and let it run for a few minutes before moving on to inspect the room. Though poor water pressure may not be a deal breaker for you, it’s still a good idea to know ahead of time what you are getting into so that you are not hit with an unwelcome surprise after moving into the house.
Red Flag Number Three: How Do the Drains & Water Lines Look?
This next step will work hand in hand with our previous one. So, let’s direct our attention to the drains and visible water lines. If you are unfamiliar with these, don’t worry; it’s a fairly simple task. All you have to do is glance down at each drain while you are checking the water pressure of a sink or shower, etc., and check for signs of rust buildup. This is a pretty rare thing to find, but if you find this red flag, it could be quite a headache. Secondly, you’ll want to check all visible water lines (like under kitchen or bathroom sinks.) Look for leaks or signs of discoloration, and while the faucet is running, check for dripping water.
Red Flag Number Four: Are There Signs of Water Damage?
Water damage – It’s a real thing and definitely something you want to be on the lookout for. There are many different “faces” of water damage. So, how will you know what exactly to look for, and how can you tell? Here are a few helpful tips:
- Check the toilet bases in the house for signs of pooling or puddles. If you find any, this could mean the toilet is leaking. Don’t be afraid to flush the toilet as well to double-check.
- Previous leaks from a pipe or the roof may result in brown spotting on the ceiling, so be sure to look up and inspects the ceiling throughout the house.
- Basements and crawlspaces are not to be left out of the equation, so as you continue your tour, keep a watchful eye out even in these areas. You are looking for water stains and any indication of a leak.
Red Flag Number Five: What about the Home’s Plumbing History?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. It may seem like a pesky thing to do, but remember, you want to know the condition of the plumbing system of a home you may be moving into. So, feel free to ask away. Furthermore, if you decide this is the right house, asking for the home’s plumbing history wouldn’t hurt. Having records of maintenance and repair records could be helpful for you down the road. And it could be a red flag if the owners have no maintenance records to show.
THE SOLUTION – A PLUMBING INSPECTION:
Peace of mind is invaluable when making such a huge commitment. Luckily, we offer a plumbing inspection service that can give you just that. (This usually can be negotiated into the terms and arranged by the homeowner if you decide to move forward with the house.) We know this may seem unnecessary, but our local licensed plumbers are guaranteed to perform a detailed evaluation and inspection of the plumbing equipment, pipes, and drainage systems. Plus, they will go over several crucial plumbing areas and inspect any plumbing-related equipment to make sure everything is running smoothly and up to par. Doing so can provide you with that extra assurance you may need to feel at peace about deciding whether this is the home for your family or, at the very least, provide you with a negotiating point that will better benefit you.
Remember, you do not have to be a professional plumber to find these red flags listed. Hopefully, this has been a little enlightening as you move forward with pursuing your dream home. Lastly, we want to stress that we do not think these points are necessarily deal breakers but merely things you should be on the alert for so you are not taken by surprise after moving into a home.
Need a plumbing company you can rely on and call when you are in a plumbing predicament? We are here for you! Call Beavercreek Plumbing & Drain today at (937) 404-6575, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!