Buying a new home is a major investment – one that should be carefully planned and executed. One of the most important aspects of any new home purchase is the plumbing. You need to make sure that all the fixtures are in good condition and that there are no leaks or other problems. In this blog post, we will provide a plumbing checklist for homebuyers. We’ll also discuss some of the most common problems that can occur with plumbing systems, and how to fix them.
1. Check the water pressure in all faucets – it should be around 60 psi
You can pick up a water pressure testing kit at most hardware stores for no more than a few dollars. If the pressure is too low, it could indicate a problem with the water supply. If the pressure is too high, it could damage your plumbing fixtures and pipes. You can adjust the water pressure by turning the knob on your water main. Most new homes should have a water pressure regulator installed, so be sure to ask the real estate agent or home-seller about this.
2. Inspect the water heater for any leaks or corrosion
Leaking water heaters are one of the most common problems that plumbers see. If your water heater is leaking, it could be a sign of corrosion or a crack in the tank. You should have a professional inspect your water heater as soon as possible to avoid any further damage.
Water heater corrosion is also fairly common, especially in older homes. If you notice any corrosion on your water heater, it’s important to have a professional take a look. Corrosion can lead to leaks and other problems, so it’s best to catch it early.
3. Test all drains for proper drainage
One of the easiest ways to test your drains is to pour a pot of boiling water down each one. If the water drains slowly or not at all, there could be a clog. Another way to test your drains is to pour a cup of baking soda down each drain, followed by a cup of vinegar. Wait 15 minutes, then flush with hot water. This will help to remove any build-up that might be causing a clog.
4. Look for evidence of water damage, including stains on ceilings and walls
This is arguably the most important item on a buyer’s new home plumbing checklist. Water damage is one of the most serious problems that can occur in a home. If you notice any stains on ceilings or walls, it’s important to have a professional inspect the area for leaks. Water damage can lead to mould and mildew, so it’s best to catch it early. If you see any evidence of water damage, in extreme cases this could even mean there’s structural damage to the property, which is a serious problem.
5. Make sure all appliances are properly vented to the outside
All appliances that use water, such as your dishwasher, washing machine, and dryer, should be properly vented to the outside. If they’re not, this could lead to serious problems, including water damage and mould. You can check the vents by looking at the exhaust pipe. The vent should be clear and free of any blockages. If you’re not sure, you can always call a professional to take a look.
6. Check that all fixtures and hardware are in good condition
Before you move into a new home, it’s important to check all of the fixtures and hardware. Make sure that all faucets, toilets, showerheads, and tubs are in good condition. This step shouldn’t necessarily be a deal-breaker in regards to buying the home – you might have already planned to upgrade the bathroom with a more modern tub, for example – but it’ll give you an idea of whether you’ll need to spend additional money on replacing things like taps and showerheads.
7. Have the plumbing inspected before you buy a home
While it’s always a good idea to have a professional inspect the plumbing before you buy a home, this step is especially important if you’re buying an older home. Older homes are more likely to have outdated plumbing, which can lead to serious problems down the road. Even if you’re not planning on doing any major renovations, it’s still a good idea to have a professional take a look at the plumbing to make sure everything is up to code.
Call Simoes Plumbing before purchasing your new home
Need an efficient and reliable plumber to help you go through your home buyers plumbing checklist? At Simoes Plumbing, we’re well-versed in carrying out comprehensive inspections of every component of a property’s plumbing. We’ll inspect your new home for water pressure issues, drainage problems, corrosion, water damage, appliance ventilation and more. With years of expertise in CCTV pipe inspection, downpipe replacements/repairs, gas fitting, hot water services and more; we’re your go-to new home plumbing experts.