When you plan to buy a house, one big question is whether you’ll need to do some significant plumbing work when you move in. In many cases, the home’s pipes’ condition is a question the seller will need to answer for you. But before you jump into the property, there are some things you can do to be prepared, like identifying the warning signs that a property may have a big plumbing problem. You can hire a reliable plumbing specialist from Puchong to assist you.
With that in mind, here are some of the most important things to look for when you are conducting your pre-purchase plumbing inspection.
Table of Contents
1. Check the Sink for Leaks
One common problem that many new homeowners experience is leakage in their sinks. If water gets loose under your sink, it can escalate to a severe problem. A multiple-choice mystery can cause Under-sink leaks, and usually, it’s more than one suspect. Whatever the cause is, they can affect the sink’s wall structure, triggering mold growth and attracting insects.
To ensure your sink is working fine and no leaks are present, turn on your faucet and let it flow for a minute. If there are leaks present, you will notice a tapping noise found below the sink. Look for some leakage around the drain pipe’s slip-joints. If you do find a leak, Hand-tightening the large joint nuts may slightly stop leakage.
2. Check the Toilets for Leaks
Before you move into your new house, checking your toilet for leaks is vital since normal wear and tear can result in a lot of maintenance. Furthermore, an untreated leakage can cause a rise up in your monthly water bills.
Here’s how to check your toilet for leaks:
- Pour in 5 drops of food coloring in the toilet’s tank.
- Once done, wait for about 25 minutes.
- If you see color in the toilet bowl, then there’s a leak.
Examine for any debris or sediment that may have accumulated around the flapper. If you clean the flapper, it may fix the leak.
3. Check The Waste Line
If the house you plan to purchase is an old home in a community with many mature trees, the house’s sewer lines may have been sabotaged by tree roots seeking water.
The surest way to know if your house has an issue is to utilize a specially designed video camera applied through the line for visual confirmation. It may sound like a hassle, but it’s pretty easy!
The inspection can also help you check any cracked, broken or disconnected portions of the line that can lead to some significant landscape damage in the long run.
4. Check For Any Water Stains
A great way to determine any leaky pipes is the presence of brownish stains on the ceiling or walls of your home.
Leaky pipes aren’t that expensive to fix, but repairing the damages they create can cost you a lot of fortune. While you’re checking for water stains, ensure that you also check for mildew and mold.
If you happen to see some water stains, contact a plumber right away to assess if the damage is severe or not.
5. Check The Water Meters and Valves
Checking your home’s water meters and valves is among the first things you must do before moving into your new home. If there happens to be a leakage present, then you’ll know by doing some needed procedure.
There are several ways to do this; check out below:
- Turn off all the faucets in the house. If the water meter is still turning, then there is a leakage somewhere, and usually, this kind of problem needs to be fixed ASAP.
- To check if your valve has some leak, you may use a hydrostatic test. Valve leakage results can vary depending on the tester, so it’s good to have your valves tested by qualified plumbers.
Conclusion
It can be a daunting task to check for leakage, but doing so will surely help you avoid spending a lot of money to fix damages. Before you move into your new home, be sure to check this guide out!