Plumbing Checklist for Buying a Home

When buying a home, one of the first things you need to know is the home's plumbing situation. While your plumbing should be checked by a home inspector, it's important to know what to look for before you get too attached.

Here are a few items to check right off the bat.

Plumbing Checklist for Home Buyers

Flush Every Toilet

Just because a toilet looks shiny and new, doesn't mean it performs well. Go to every toilet in the house and flush it to make sure it empties and refills properly. If you notice any problems, the toilet could just be old or you might have a clog in the main sewer line. Obviously, these are two different problems when it comes to cost involved, so you might want to give us a call to come and investigate further.

Check Fixtures

Always give the fixtures in the home a quick inspection to check for problems. Check to make sure none of the faucets leak and that the drains empty appropriately. While issues here could be small, such as replacing the fixture, they could also be signs of a bigger problem, like a system clog or broken pipe.

Test the Water Heater

Water heaters are a big expense if you're not budgeting for it, so always test the water heater to make sure it works well. If you notice an issue, we offer several different kinds of water heaters to meet your needs. 

Inspect Crawl Areas

Crawl areas are the perfect chance to check on piping inside the home. You can easily see if pipes are leaking and if they have caused any damage to the flooring.

Check for Warped Flooring

Warped flooring is a tell-tale sign that pipes are leaking inside the walls. While it not might be a major leak, a small drip still causes big problems over time, not to mention causing your water bill to spike.

Ask About the Pipes

This is especially important to do for older homes, as unless the pipes were updated at some point, there's a good chance they are in disrepair. For example, if the home was constructed before World War II, it probably has galvanized steel pipes, which only last for 50 years. If you have copper piping, it could also be a problem, as this only lasts for 20 to 40 years.

Of course, plumbing is just one aspect of buying a home. Homes with plumbing issues may have outdated wiring and poor air quality as well. If you don't feel comfortable performing these kind of inspections yourself, David Gray Plumbing Services is here to help. We offer numerous residential plumbing services and can easily spot any problem that might cost you big down the road. Contact us to schedule your consultation today.