4 Plumbing Features To Check When Buying A New Home

If you're in the market for a new home, then you should know looking at a house involves more than admiring it's curb appeal or attractive interior finishes.  In fact, there are a few mechanical features within the home that should be considered, such as the electrical, HVAC and plumbing systems.  In this blog post, we'll discuss four important plumbing features you should check when buying a new home.

4 Plumbing Features To Check When Buying A New Home

Sewer Lines

Water Heaters

Broken pipes, debris like toilet paper and feminine hygiene products and even tree and shrub roots can cause sewer pipes to become obstructed.

A sewer line camera inspection is highly recommended, so speak to your home inspector about examining the main sewer line to your house.  In addition to locating the source of any clogs or other damage, you will be able to reduce repair costs by knowing where the problem is before you start digging.

Water heaters, or boilers as they are commonly referred to, have a life expectancy of about ten years.  They are a significant investment and for this reason, it’s worth checking how old the boiler is.  If you can get the make and model, give a Goog:  check online to see if you can find its stats, reviews and ratings.  Don't be afraid to ask your realtor if they know how long the boiler's been in the home and / or if it's been recently replaced.  Your home inspector should be able to advise of any issues the hot water heater may have, too.

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Toilets

Drains

While you might not pay much attention to a toilet when viewing a home, they're worth checking out.

For instance, you’ll want to look around the base of the toilet for leaks and water damage to the floor.  Check to see if the toilet rocks at all; it could mean a loose seal.  Flush the toilet at least once to be sure that the water flushes quickly and efficiently.  If it's an older 2-piece toilet, make sure the tank hasn't become loose from the bowl.  If the toilet is older or damaged,  a professional plumber can replace it with a efficient, low-flow toilet.

Clogged drains are extremely common, and can be caused by hair, food and other debris, and are another plumbing issue that you should be on the lookout for when viewing a home.  Do a quick check by simply running the faucet for a bit to see if the water is slow to drain.  If you smell a bad odor coming from the drain, it could also signify a clogged drain.  Also, take a look under sinks for signs of water damage, mold, or visible leaks.   A clogged drain doesn't have to be a dealbreaker when it comes to buying a home, but it's a good idea to discuss the issue with a plumber anyway.

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We love this infographic that summarizes seven things to inspect prior to purchasing a home.  We never thought of #5, but it certainly makes sense!

From Visually.