If you’re thinking about buying a new home, it can be easy to become overwhelmed. Not only do you need to think about the neighborhood you want to live in, but also which houses have all the characteristics you’re looking for. One thing new home buyers don’t want to get stuck with is plumbing problems that they only discover when they move in. Fortunately, we have a plumbing checklist for all homebuyers to complete to ensure that you fully inspect the plumbing system during any house tour.
Flush Every Toilet
During your house tour, be sure to flush each toilet in every bathroom. This will allow you to see if any of the toilets have a weak flush, if there are any gurgling noises or if one is running for too long.
Look at the Size of Water Pipes
While you’re in the bathroom, check the size of the pipes. If you’ve ever lived in a house with low water pressure, you’re likely to be aware of how frustrating this can be. The pipes should be at least ¾ inch from the home to the water source and at least ½ inch to faucets. While the pipes may be hidden in many areas of the home, particularly the supply to the shower or bathtub, a quick look under the bathroom sink should provide a good idea of the size of pipes used.
Turn on Some Taps
Even if you’ve found and inspected the size of pipes, it is still a good idea to turn some faucets on and off. This will allow you to assess the water pressure and don’t be shy about turning on the shower. No one wants to get into the shower every morning and be faced with terrible water pressure. So, ensure that your potential new home offers sufficient water pressure to meet your bathing needs.
Ask About the Water Heater
During the home tour, ask the realtor if you can see the water heater. The realtor should have details about the age and service history of the appliance, but perform a visual inspection for signs of buildup or corrosion. If there are any drips or signs of water damage around the water heater, there may be a reoccurring issue that could end up being expensive.
Avoid Lead
If you’re viewing an older home, there may be a possibility that lead pipes are still in use. These types of pipes can corrode and allow lead to enter your water supply, which can be highly dangerous to your health. If you’re unsure about whether the lead pipes are still in place, ask the realtor to confirm if the
plumbing system has been upgraded and when.
By Giovanni Longo President Flood Brothers Plumbing
Giovanni Longo is a 3rd generation master plumber who has been practicing his craft and trade in the greater Los Angeles area for well over a decade and a half. A plumbing and hydraulics-engineering innovator, Giovanni’s particular world-class expertise focuses on dealing with challenging sewer system designs as well as resolving complex commercial and residential draining issues. As a certified Flood Mitigation expert, he is also well versed in a wide variety of water damage and remediation solution.
