Buying a new home is an exciting venture, but it’s important to make sure you’re making a sound investment. Throughout this phase, several concerns with your new home will need to be resolved, including any problems with the foundation, construction, appliances, and plumbing.
One key aspect of a home that should be carefully considered before you write the big check is the plumbing system. A faulty plumbing system can result in costly repairs and even potential health hazards. Before finalizing a purchase, it is crucial for you, the buyer, to be aware of any issues with the property. A home inspection is the most effective way to ensure your new home’s plumbing is in great shape. Residential plumbers in Daly City, for instance, are among the most trusted and skilled when it comes to inspecting houses or properties.
Plumbing Checklist for Home Inspection
A home inspection is the best way to determine whether your potential home is livable enough for you and your family. Therefore, it would be great if you could give it a test drive. The benefit of inspecting your new house is knowing what to look for. Moreover, you will be able to see and understand any issues, particularly with the plumbing system, the home inspector finds. Doing so lets you decide which repairs might need to be made at the seller’s expense before completing the purchase.
During a home plumbing inspection, some important items to check include the following:
- Water Heater
The water heater is an essential component of any home’s plumbing system. It’s important to determine the age and condition of the water heater before buying a home. The average lifespan of a water heater is 10-15 years, so if the one in the home you’re considering is nearing the end of its lifespan, it may need to be replaced soon.
- Sewer Line
The sewer line carries wastewater away from home. A damaged or clogged sewer line can lead to sewage backup, which can be messy and expensive. It’s essential to have a professional plumber inspect the sewer line to ensure that it’s in good condition. Often, the inspector will use a camera to look inside the main sewer line and look for problems during a home plumbing inspection.
- Water Supply Pipes
The water supply pipes bring clean water into the home. It’s essential to determine the material that the pipes are made of and their age. Older pipes of materials such as galvanized steel or lead can be prone to corrosion and leaks.
- Drains
A professional plumber should inspect all the drains in the home to ensure that they are in good working condition. Slow or clogged drains can indicate a problem with the plumbing system and, if not addressed, can lead to more serious issues. Never ignore a clogged drain. You need to avail of emergency drain cleaning in Daly City immediately if you or your home inspector discover issues with your drains.
- Water Pressure
It’s important to check the water pressure in the home before purchasing. Low water pressure can indicate a problem with the plumbing system and make simple tasks like showering or washing dishes difficult. During a plumbing inspection, you should mention any rapid changes in water pressure as well as any persistently abnormally low or high-water pressure in your taps or shower.
- Water Quality
The quality of the water in the home is also an important factor to consider. A professional plumber can test the water for contaminants of lead, chlorine, and bacteria. If the water quality is poor, a filtration system may need to be installed.
- Sump Pump
If the home has a basement, it’s important to check the sump pump. The sump pump removes water from the basement during a flood. If the sump pump is not working well, it can lead to costly water damage.
- Other Fixtures
You must also examine fixtures like the toilets and showers in your prospective home. Any home’s plumbing fixtures and appliances can wear out over time. You need to repair or replace them to continue functioning properly.
- Toilets. For example, before adding more water to the bowl, ensure all toilets flush correctly and drain thoroughly. Also, see to it that the toilet is secured to the floor with bolts and that the area surrounding the base is free of leaks.
- Showers. A plumbing inspection for each shower in the home involves flicking on the faucets and examining the drains and the shower heads. The inspector will be observing how slow or fast the tub drains and if the water pools for an extended period. When checking, make sure the shower head is off and is not dripping.
- Garbage Disposal and Kitchen Sink. Kitchen sink drain build-up can clog your drains partially or completely over time. Clogs need professional assistance to resolve. That’s why the plumbing inspector should ensure the kitchen sink drains properly, test the faucet, and look for leaks in the pipes under the sink basin. Moreover, ask them to activate the garbage disposal to determine if it also functions well.
Get Ready for Your Home Purchase
Until the sale is finalized, the current owner must declare and address any plumbing issues that may occur. As the buyer, you should be meticulous in your inspection process because plumbing repairs can be expensive. Remember the various plumbing items you must inspect before finalizing your home purchase. Contact residential plumbers in San Francisco for quality assistance and guidance on this matter.
In conclusion, a thorough plumbing inspection is an essential step in the home-buying process. Hiring a professional plumber to inspect the plumbing system and identify any potential problems is important. Addressing plumbing issues before purchasing a home can save you time, money, and potential health hazards in the future.