Buying a house is often a daunting investment. While you might remember to get the seal of approval from the building and pest inspectors, there is one important check that many home buyers miss.
Just like you wouldn’t buy a car without inspecting the engine, you shouldn’t buy a home without knowing what state the plumbing system is in. Although some plumbing issues can be superficial, an unmaintained plumbing system can be the cause of a major headache later on.
So, don’t get stuck in deep water and follow this simple plumbing checklist the next time you’re looking to buy a new home.
Water Leaks
A leaking tap is annoying, but you’d be surprised at how often they can be overlooked.
Generally speaking, indoor water leaks are fairly inexpensive to fix, usually only needing a simple repair or replacement. However, the water damage to surrounding structures could become a bigger problem later on.
That’s why, when inspecting a home, it is important to look out for key signs of water damage, be that: warped flooring, water-stained or bubbling walls, mould, or even cracks. The tap itself might be a quick fix, but these structural damages could have you dipping into your savings sooner than you’d like.
Drains
Though unassuming at first, drainage issues can be one of the hardest plumbing problems to manage.
When checking any toilets or taps, be mindful of how fast the water is draining or any gurgling sounds coming from the drain. These are clear signs of issues with the drainage system and could be caused by a number of underlying problems such as; cracked pipes, blocked drains, or incorrect installation.
These are the clear signs of a blocked drain, which could be caused by something as simple as oil or kitchen scraps. However, it could also mean that there are tree roots or cracks in the water pipes and sewer lines, and these are serious issues that can’t be ignored.
Water Hammer
There is nothing worse than turning on the taps and hearing a hammering noise echo through the walls.
A water hammer perfectly describes the sound made when the water flow is forced to change direction or stop abruptly. The pressure this creates can cause major problems. Aside from the noise, there is also the possibility the pressure could rupture or collapse the water pipes.
Hot Water Systems
The last thing you want after a day of moving boxes is a cold shower. That’s why hot water systems are up there on the list of things to check when looking to buy a new home.
One thing to keep in mind is that most hot water units only last an average of 10-15 years and can be quite pricey to renew. Checking the make and model is one way of ensuring you won’t be stuck having to get a new system installed on the move-in week.
Pre Purchase Inspections
You might think a building inspection would cover all of this, but the simple answer is that they don’t.
Building inspectors are not professional plumbers and, therefore, can’t give the plumbing system that necessary seal of approval. If you’re looking for peace of mind, contacting your local plumber for a pre-purchase plumbing inspection is always a great idea. You wouldn’t consider a house without a building inspection, so why buy it without a plumbing inspection?
