Buying a home is generally one of the most exciting times of your life. It doesn’t matter if you are buying your first home or your one hundredth. The buzz is the same. Of course, once you have looked at it a couple of times and are sure it is the right one for you, it is time to consider practicalities.
After all, the last thing you want is to move in and be looking for a reputable emergency plumber on the first evening. That is why it is essential to take precautions before you buy.
The Home Inspection
The first step is to commission a home inspection. There are plenty of businesses offering this service. You should choose one that has a good reputation, ideally that a friend or family member has used in the past.
The home inspection looks at the structural integrity of a property. It also looks at the wiring and plumbing systems. This makes it the perfect first step to help ensure the plumbing system is working properly and you won’t get a nasty surprise.
However, this is only part of the process. If you are serious about buying the property, you need to be aware of the most common plumbing issues. This will allow you to check the place yourself.
Drainage Issues
One of the most common plumbing issues is slow drainage. There are several reasons why this can happen but it needs to be looked at further. If multiple appliances are draining slowly you have a problem with the sewer line. This could mean it is blocked and needs to be cleared. But, it can also mean that the pipe has been damaged and needs to be replaced. That is a significantly more expensive issue.
Water Heater
The water heater is an integral part of your plumbing system and probably part of your morning wake-up routine. You should have a professional plumber check the water heater over. If it looks old and outdated there is a good chance you will be replacing it in the near future. These generally cost over $1,000. That isn’t an expense you want just after moving in.
Stains
Any water stain in your house tells you there has been an issue. The question is what was the problem? Ceiling stains can be connected to leaking roofs but they can also be a sign that the plumbing system is leaking. As this can affect the structural integrity of your new home, you will want to proceed with caution.
Leaks
Alongside the evidence of leaks, you should check the toilet and faucets for leaks. These will increase the cost of your water bill although they are not generally costly repairs. It is also a good idea to look at all the visible plumbing pipes and joints. You never know where you may find a leak and need to get it sorted. It isn’t just a matter of the water cost, leaks can affect the structural stability of your home, the sooner you get them resolved, the better.
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