Your House Hunt Plumbing Guide
Written by Hanna Plumbing & Heating / June 3, 2024
House Hunt Plumbing Checks
Searching for a home can be equal parts exciting and stressful. You’re on the hunt for the perfect space for you and your family, and you want to be confident you’re picking a place that looks great, meets your needs, and is built to last.
During the search, you’re likely focused on square footage, entertainment space, and other aesthetic details, but remember the arteries of the house: the plumbing system.
A formal home inspection will cover the roof to the foundation and everything in between, but you can get a head start by knowing common plumbing issues to look for while you’re on your house search. That way, you can immediately address problems and determine if it’s worth moving forward before making an offer.
Read on to discover four plumbing problems to easily check when touring a home.
Keep an Eye on the Drains
Worn, corroded, and cracked drains are a sign of age and can signal larger issues, like leaks and hard water. Also, be sure to turn on the faucets and run the cold water for at least 30 seconds—as well as flush all toilets—to ensure the drains can handle a full flow of water. The last thing you want is water backing up and sitting while you’re taking a shower or using the sink.
Look for Visible Water Damage
Inspect the ceilings, walls, and underneath each sink for water damage, including water stains, warped wood, and mold. Any of those sights could spell trouble, including drips, leaks, and other pipe defects.
Test the Water Pressure
Check the water pressure by running multiple faucets at the same time to see if there is a substantial drop in water pressure. Low water pressure in a home can result from various issues such as an improperly maintained water softener or undersized water lines. Older homes without a water softener may suffer from restricted flow due to limescale buildup in the water lines.
Look Around the Water Heater
First, ensure the water heater is large enough to meet your needs and the size of your family. Visually inspect the outside of the water heater for rust, corrosion, and general signs of wear and tear. Check the age of the water heater and service schedule. If this information isn’t visible on the water heater, ask the real estate agent or homeowner for those details. A water heater’s typical lifespan is between 8-12 years, depending on factors like the quality of the local water supply and use of a water softener. An aging water heater can eventually spring a leak, leading to a wet mess in the basement.
Your House Hunt Plumbing Checklist
Keep this quick list in mind as you explore homes.
- Cracked, corroded, and stained drains.
- Visible water damage on ceilings and walls.
- Low, high, or erratic water pressure from faucets.
- Old, rusted, and worn water heater.
If you notice any of those issues during your home search, ask the real estate agent or homeowner to address them, and consider calling a plumbing professional for a thorough inspection.
And, if you’re experiencing any of these issues in your current home, contact us today to handle it. Hanna’s always here to help!
