The idea of having a new home is exciting, new things always are. It is not a common achievement experienced by many. It may take several years of hard work and savings to buy a new home.
Finally, when that day comes you get too excited to conduct a thorough inspection of the home. It is after you have cashed in and moved into your new home that you become privy to some critical issues likely to affect your quality of life.
Plumbing issues are among the most prevalent in new homes. Leaks, clogged pipes, loose fittings, and pressure issues are common. Such issues cause inconveniences and may be costly to correct.
Trust us, additional repair costs are the last thing you want to hear after pumping all that into acquiring a new home. For this reason, a plumbing inspection prior to buying the home should be of utmost importance.
Don’t ignore that plumbing inspection, it may save you a lot of money later.
There are many reasons to conduct a plumbing inspection before buying that new home. First, water and sanitation services are essential for a comfortable life. When either is not available in a convenient way, life becomes stressful.
Imagine waking up to a dry tap, a foul smell from the toilet, or a leaking sewer line, isn’t that pathetic? Yes, it is. Living in a home with a faulty water and sanitation system is not fun. Inconveniences arising from such faulty mechanisms wash away the joy of owning that new home.
There are professional home inspectors who conduct a general inspection of the home, and there are specialized plumbing inspectors. A general home inspector may do a good job with other areas of the home, but they may fail to identify some minor yet critical plumbing faults.
To eliminate all doubts, we recommend you get a specialized plumbing inspector to do the home plumbing inspection for you. If possible, you can accompany them to the home and supervise the inspection.
Certified Inspectors are easy to find, and that inspection will not cost you much. You should be very keen during the inspection and pay attention to the areas outlined below.
Check for Discolored Water
Older renovated homes may have pipes made of lead or other metals. With time these metals wear out, corrode, and some deposits get into the water.
Continued corrosion can also create holes in pipes through which impurities such as soil deposits may get into the supply system. At times also due to faulty plumbing, sewage waste may find its way into the water supply pipes. All the above scenarios are characterized by discoloration of water.
Water should be clear so be on the lookout for discoloration. Discolored water depicts contamination and should be a cause for concern. Discolored water should be checked for harmful contaminants such as lead and sewage waste, and particularly for lead which is lethal. Seepage of sewage into the water can also cause a myriad of health disorders. Such issues should be solved before buying the home.
Check the Meter Reading and Shut-off Valve
Water does not come for free; you pay some fees for the water you use. These charges are calculated via meter readings that show how much water you have consumed. Before moving in you should check that the meter is okay, and the shut-off valve is working.
If possible contact the water supply agency in the area and ascertain whether the meter has an accrued bill. If yes get the seller clear the bill or, you can agree to factor that amount into the price of the house.
The main shut off valve (mainly located near the meter) should be working. To check this, turn off the water completely and check the taps inside the home. Then turn the water on to the maximum, get inside the house and turn on all of the taps, and flush the toilet
at the same time.
How is the water flow in each of the taps? If they’re all working fine, the water supply should be able to provide all the taps with water and you should be able to flush the toilet at the same time.
Check the Water Heater
If your home is equipped with a water heater wander over to it and inspect its condition. An old, worn out water heater may call for a replacement soon, and this will cost you.
Check for mineral deposits and corrosion on the heater itself or the tank. Then test the water itself to ascertain that the heater is working.
Make sure the toilets, sinks, and faucets are working.
Check all of these for leaks, drips and flow of water. Open faucets completely and check whether the water drains down the sink well without delays. No leaks should be allowed whatsoever.
Go to the toilet and flush it, it should flush smoothly without any residual water remaining in the bowl. After flushing, the bowl should remain clear; discolored water is a sign of a faulty flush system. Proceed to the sewage and sniff around. It should not have a strong odor.
Check what type of sewage system the house is fitted with and if everything is alright including the septic tank if there is one. It is wise to inquire the last time the sewage system was serviced if it is not new. Bad odors in the sewage system are a sign of leaks or seepage .These are costly to repair, and you can use this as a bargaining tool for a hefty discount on the home’s asking price.
A thorough inspection of the plumbing system of a prospective home ensures a worry free after life. By checking on the critical areas highlighted above you get to know the state of the plumbing systems in your potential home. Don’t take chances with the quality of life, be on the safe side.
To be entirely sure your plumbing systems are in order contact Warhold Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning in Greensburg, PA at (724) 382- 4844.
