Looking for the next place to call home? If you’re currently in the market to buy a house, congratulations! Though we are well aware of all the stress that comes along with it, it is still an exciting milestone to be celebrated! There is a plethora of important factors to consider and things to look for when searching for a house. Today, we are here to remind you that amongst those things, it’s also essential to be mindful of the plumbing system during your search endeavors. So, as you tour potential homes and evaluate each one to see if it’s suitable for your family’s needs, make sure you keep an eye out for any red flags regarding the plumbing. Don’t know what to look for? Middletown Plumbing & Drain has got you! Below are five red flags that any homebuyer can watch out for when visiting prospective homes.
Red Flag Number One: How Old is the Water Heater?
First, let’s focus on the water heater. How old is it? Usually, this information is included in the home’s listing. But if it is not, you can quickly check the water heater to roughly determine its age and condition. If you observe excessive dust accumulation, corrosion, or even water puddles around the unit’s base, it may suggest poor maintenance, an aged unit, or an underlying problem with the water heater. Keep in mind, an older unit is not necessarily a bad thing, but most water heaters last around 8 to 12 years if they are properly maintained. Therefore, if you decide to buy a house with an older unit, you will want to be prepared to replace it in the near future.
Red Flag Number Two: Does the Water Pressure Work Well?
Water pressure should not be overlooked during your walk-through. Try to inspect every faucet and shower while conducting the walk-through to ensure they are functioning correctly and don’t have low water pressure. Do this by turning on the water and letting it run for a few minutes. This will help you identify any low water pressure issues beforehand and avoid any unpleasant surprises after you have already moved into the house. Low water pressure is not impossible to fix, but it can be costly. Therefore, preparation is key.
Red Flag Number Three: Do the Drains & Water Lines Look Damaged?
Aim to also check each drain while checking the water pressure of the sinks and showers. Look for any signs of rust buildup in the drains. It’s a rare red flag to find, but it can be another expensive expenditure. Additionally, it’s important to inspect all visible water lines, such as those under kitchen or bathroom sinks. So, check under the sinks for leaks or discolored spots, and while the faucet is on, make sure there is no dripping water.
Red Flag Number Four: Are There Indications of Water Damage?
Water damage is another real issue that you should be aware of beforehand. It can take on various forms, so you should know what signs to look for and how to spot them:
- Inspect the toilet bases in the house and look for pooling or puddles. This can be an indication of a toilet leak, so in case it has been occurring for a while, you’ll want to check the area for water damage.
- Examine the ceilings throughout the house for brown spots or water stains, which may have been caused by previous leaks from a pipe or the roof.
- Don’t forget about the basement and crawlspaces for any water stains or signs of a leak.
Red Flag Number Five: What about the Home’s Plumbing Records?
Even though it may seem bothersome, it’s necessary to ask probing questions about the condition of the plumbing system of a home you may potentially move into. Furthermore, you can ask for the home’s plumbing history to obtain records of maintenance and repairs, which may be helpful later on. Bear in mind, if the seller has no annual maintenance records to show, this could be a cause for concern, as annual maintenance is always highly recommended. Moreover, if a certain area in the home has received multiple repairs, this could raise some questions and be considered another red flag.
WHY GET A PLUMBING INSPECTION:
We understand that buying a house is a big commitment, and having peace of mind is priceless. To ensure this, we provide a plumbing inspection service that you can arrange with the homeowner if you decide to move forward with the purchase. Our licensed plumbers will conduct a thorough evaluation and inspection of the plumbing equipment, pipes, and drainage systems. Though it may seem unnecessary, we believe it is a valuable step in the home-buying process. Our licensed plumbers will examine various important aspects of the plumbing system and equipment to ensure they are functioning properly and up to standard. This thorough inspection can give you the confidence you need to determine if this home is suitable for your family, give you leverage in negotiations, or perhaps give you closure on walking away from a home that would not best suit your current needs.
Hopefully, this has given you some insight as you search for your ideal home. Lastly, we would like to emphasize that these points may not necessarily be deal breakers but just things to keep an eye out for so you’re not caught off guard after moving in.
Do you need a trustworthy plumbing company? We can help! Call Middletown Plumbing & Drain today at (937) 298-9979, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here