Every family needs a functioning plumbing system to maintain comfort, health, and well-being. Poor plumbing can result in leaks and other issues that can result in significant damage and be costly to repair.
Around 470,000 urban households in the United States don't have adequate indoor plumbing, according to researchers from ECONorthwest, King's College London, and the University of Arizona (Meehan, 2020)
You undoubtedly don't want your home to be one of those because poor indoor plumbing can result in a number of health issues, including skin conditions and respiratory infections. Additionally, it has been linked to greater rates of morbidity and mortality in children.
However, how can you tell if the home you're purchasing has functional indoor plumbing? Are there any obvious clues that your realtor is keeping something from you? What you can do is:
Bring Along A Dependable Plumber
Bring a dependable plumber along with you when you inspect the property if you want a surefire way to verify that the indoor plumbing is operating as it should. If there are leaks, clogged pipes, or excessive rust in the system, your plumber would be able to detect them.
As is frequently the case, a qualified plumber is best qualified to assist you in determining the true state of the interior plumbing system of the home. Just make sure your plumber is reliable and honest; else, he can be prejudiced toward the interests of the seller and tell you whatever will get him paid.
You may always ask friends and family for suggestions if you're new to the region and still need to find a reliable plumber. You can also request a list of recommended plumbers from the original owner. Obtaining this information will offer you a fair understanding of how well this home has been cared for over time, as well as access to a specialist who can assist you if something goes wrong.
Verify The Light Fixtures In The House
You can perform an ocular assessment of the fittings throughout the house if you are unable to bring a plumber with you or if you prefer to evaluate the property yourself. As well as testing the toilet flush, to see if the sink and bathtub drain function. If the fixtures’ function, it is likely that at least a portion of the plumbing is functional. If they are inoperative, this can indicate that the home has been abandoned.
Keep in mind that the toilet flush is very crucial to inspect because it's one of the typical issues in houses with subpar plumbing.
Inspect The Walls And The Ceiling
Keep an eye out for any visible evidence of damage, such as paint peeling or spots on the ceiling, as these could be the result of water leaks. If you notice any indications of water damage, you should hire a licensed plumber examine the property. Obtaining a quote for slab leak repair will also be helpful, and you should take this into account when estimating the entire cost of the house you're buying.
Inspect For Any Overflow Pipes
If the home has functioning indoor plumbing, an overflow pipe should be installed next to the toilet or bathtub. This pipe's function is to stop water from spilling onto your floor in the case of a system clog. You can be in for some serious plumbing issues if the pipe has already been removed or is not present. You should have an expert evaluate your home because this could possibly indicate that there is a leak there.
Do a Mold And Mildew Inspection
If your basement exhibits signs of mold and mildew, this may be a sign that moisture is entering your home through gaps or breaks in the walls. If you notice any signs of mold and mildew on surfaces such as concrete walls and wooden beams, you should get the area assessed for water damage because this might eventually cause structural problems.
Inspect The Water Pressure On The Property
Use a garden hose, if one is available, to check the water pressure in the entire house. If you're purchasing an older home, it's crucial to check the water pressure because old plumbing systems frequently experience problems over time, such as poor draining or low water pressure. Low water pressure is frequently a sign of a leak in the plumbing system. This is less of a problem if you're purchasing a new home, though, as the plumbing system is brand-new.
Water Heater Inspection
Make sure the gas water heater is adequately vented and leak-free if the home has one. If the home has an electric water heater, check to see if it is functioning correctly; if not, add the cost of repair to the home's price.
Contact Order a Plumber for Inspections
Performing an interior plumbing check by yourself might be difficult, particularly if you don't have any experience with or interest in plumbing systems. Get in touch with us at Order a Plumber to avoid trouble. Since we have been in the plumbing industry for a long time, we are fully qualified to identify and assess any plumbing system damage in your home. You may rely on us for knowledgeable counsel and sincere opinions.