If you are looking into buying a home, many areas should be inspected before you spend money on the property. Purchasing a house in good condition will help you get a better ROI while also helping you live comfortably in a new space.
Home inspections or doing DIY checks on the plumbing of a home is a great way to determine whether or not you are purchasing the right property. Even if you decide to inspect the home yourself, consult a professional plumber about the best methods to inspect your house. Below are some of the top areas you should inspect before buying a home to ensure that you have quality plumbing.
1- Water Heater
One of the most crucial appliances in your home is the water heater. It is responsible for comfortable showers and bathing, effective cleaning, and more. Your water heater pumps hot water to your faucets, washer, dishwasher, and more. Having an energy-efficient and modern water heater is the first thing to verify before buying a home.
S&B Plumbing offers tankless and traditional water heaters for homeowners. We can install a new system or maintain your existing system. Water heaters need to be set at the right temperature and be flushed annually if you want them to last. Working with our professional plumbers will save you from home damage or water heater disasters.
2- Toilets
Toilets and septic systems see constant use in a home. Checking the water usage of the toilet, your sewer drains, and the septic system will ensure that the home can properly dispose of waste. Even if your toilets flush properly, you should still inspect the septic system to ensure that sewage backups won’t occur.
Before buying a home, you should also look for water damage around the base of the toilet, leaks when flushing the toilet, or cracks in the bowl or tank.
3- Pipes And Drains
Some pipes will be visible inside the home, while others are buried deep within the walls and floor. Checking all your piping and drains before moving in will help you detect any leaks or pipe decay before purchasing the home.
Before purchasing a home, homeowners should:
- Check faucets and showerheads for proper water pressure
- Look for signs of rust and corrosion
- Run water and look for slow drainage or miscolored water
- Check for damage under sinks or around plumbing fixtures
- Listen for odd noises while running water or flushing toilets
4- Sewer System
Home sewer systems can be infiltrated by tree roots or debris build-up that causes backups. Sewer inspections before buying a home can help you determine if you have major blockages that can lead to leaks and water damage. Sewer cleanouts and inspections can help limit water damage and sewer backups in the home.
Doing a thorough check of your sewer and septic systems is best done by a plumber. Working with those who have the right tools and skills will keep the septic system intact while preparing you to move into your new home.
5- Sump Pump
The sump pump helps move water away from your home to prevent flooding. They are typically placed in your basement and help to pump excess water out of the area to prevent mold growth, bacteria, and excessive flooding. Inspecting the sump pump before you move in, or having one installed will save you from disaster during the winter and spring.
6- Water Quality
Your water quality in a new home can impact your life in many ways. Hard water or contaminated water can cause breakouts, damage to your clothes, pipe deterioration, and more. Before buying a home testing the water for contaminants can help prevent unnecessary sickness. If your new home relies on well water, testing the quality is even more critical.
7- Water Shut-Off Valves
In case of an emergency in your home, you should know where your main water line shut-off valve is located. Knowing where the valve is will prevent flooding inside your home, especially if you are leaving the home for an extended period. Locate shut-offs for sinks, toilets, water heaters, and other small appliances.
Before buying a home, the experts at S&B Plumbing can help you determine the current state of your home. Our plumbers can perform a home inspection to tell you the condition of piping and appliances. Our team has been serving the Ogden community and surrounding areas for over 20 years. We are happy to add more clients to the S&B Plumbing family by maintaining and repairing your plumbing.