Why You Should Get a Plumbing Inspection Before Buying a New Home

Plumbing systems are a significant component of the house. Those who intend to purchase homes should carry out a plumbing inspection during the window shopping process when looking for a new home.

The inspections ensure that vital installations such as drainage, water and gas supply systems are in good working order. The proper functioning of these systems goes a long way in saving costs once the home has been bought. When carrying out inspections, the following procedures should be incorporated.

1) Check the Water Heater

Water heaters are an integral part of any house. Before paying for a home, you need to check the capacity of the water heater, its energy efficiency, and its heat trap and heat recovery. Similarly, ensure that the relief valve and line, and the control valve are all in good condition.

In this regard, it is advisable that you ascertain that all the hose bibs have drain off breakers and that the water meter is properly set up.

All these components go a long way in guaranteeing top-notch performance by the water heaters. In as much as the elements might seem trivial, they should not be ignored at all costs. They can end up costing you more once you purchase the house.

2) Make Sure the Toilet Works

Ensuring that the toilet is functional is essential. When carrying out a toilet inspection, you should first take a look at the bowls and tanks found in all of the bathrooms. If there are cracks or any other flaws, notify the seller immediately so that they can these problems can be repaired before you pay for the house.

During this process, you are also advised to flush the toilet to see whether the water runs incessantly. This can significantly increase your water bill once you start living in the house.

When inspecting the toilets, you also need to make sure that the connecting pipes between the bowls and tanks do not leak. The most commonly found indication that a toilet is malfunctioning is moisture on the floor, which frequently results from an unnoticed leak.

3) Inspect the Water Supply System

Most homes have copper, lead, galvanized steel or CPVC water lines. Before buying a home you should inspect water supply lines to ensure that they are in good shape. These lines run throughout the house and tend to accumulate rust with continued use. This often creates water flow problems.

You can detect blockages by running more than two taps simultaneously to check whether the water pressure is equal. Irregular flow of water could mean that there is a defect. In cases where two different metal pipes have been used, check whether a dialectic union has been installed. This minimizes the chances of corrosion, more so if the metals used are copper and galvanized steel.

4) Inspect Plumbing Waste Lines

These systems are often installed in bathrooms and kitchens to transport waste into the sewage system of the house. The waste lines are normally inspected by checking for any leaks under toilets, bathtubs, and sinks. When carrying out this inspection, take a close look at the lines to ensure that there is no severe rusting. You should flush the toilets and run water through the sink to check for leaks.

When buying a multi-storied house, check out the ceilings below the toilets and bathrooms. The presence of water stains and plaster repair could mean that there might have been leakages in the past, which might reoccur.

A number of modern homes have sewage injector pumps whose purpose is basically to pump out water from the plumbing waste system into the sewage system. Normally, these pumps have two pipes. The first pipe is for eliminating waste while the second one is for venting.

Typically, the latter runs to the exterior of the house. Sewage injector pumps can be inspected by running water in the bathtub or flushing the toilet for a few minutes. While doing this, you should listen carefully to note whether the pump is engaging. If it is, it means that it is operational. If the pump does not engage, it is most likely defective.

 

5) Check for Discolored Water

More often that not, discolored water suggests that components of the plumbing systems are rusty. This is quite hazardous not only to users but also to the entire building itself. Sometimes, it is quite difficult to notice whether the water is discolored or not. Many prospective homeowners, however, tend to ignore the discoloration.

Most have the notion that this is a minor defect, which will go away with time. Going ahead with purchasing houses whose water is discolored can turn out to be expensive due to treatment costs that often come up later. Discolored water can also lower the resale value of the house because it can cause the discoloration of bathtubs, sinks and other fixtures of the house.

6) Inspect Gas Piping

This system is one of the most significant components of the house, which must not be overlooked during the inspection process. Any undetected defects can turn out to be catastrophic, which explains why you should exercise carefulness when inspecting gas pipes. The first step that you should take is checking all the gas pipes to ensure that they comply with the approved plans.

Also, pipes installed under slabs should be properly sealed to prevent gas leaks. The depth of coverage should also be adequate. Similarly, you need to make sure that all the outlets are properly capped and that the valves, which shut off gas supply are easily accessible. There should also be an anti-corrosive protection layer, which fortifies the pipes and prevents leaks. Besides this, ensure that the materials used in this system are approved.

Plumbing inspections should not be overlooked by those who intend to buy a new house. This process has long-term implications and could determine the resale value of the house. You need to pay attention to minor details, which when ignored, can cause unnecessary expenses in the future.

The entire inspection process is worthwhile despite the fact that it is hectic and time-consuming. Come up with a checklist to avoid overlooking some vital steps.

Are you a prospective homeowner in Wayne, NJ who is dreading the plumping inspection process? You can stop worrying because PhD Mechanical, Inc. is here to offer you help. Call us at (973) 492-5931 for immediate assistance.