Imagine you finally find a house that suits your budget. You want to move in as soon as possible. But wait. Did you check every part of the house thoroughly? The ceilings, floors, walls, doors, and windows? Do you know what you missed? It's the plumbing system of the house. This is something that many people overlook but make sure that you don't. Otherwise, you may have to spend a fortune on fixing the problems after moving in. Here is a checklist that you can keep in mind while checking the plumbing system of a house:
1. Water pressure
What's the average water pressure of the house? Is it suitable to support your daily household chores? If not, you can call a plumber and see what the problem is. Sometimes valve actuators solve the issue with water pressure as it is responsible for opening and closing control valves in pipes. The easiest way to check the water pressure is by turning the shower or tap into the water source’s furthest. If water flows smoothly, you don't need to worry about anything.
2. Sinks, faucets, and toilets
It's a nightmare to flush your toilet, but it wouldn't work. You should check this type of issue right when you take a tour of the house. Don't hesitate to look around the bathroom's water chamber for leaks and cracks. You can even test the toilets by using them. The faucet and sink are two more areas that you need to check thoroughly. Ensure that they don't have leaks and the water flows properly.
3. Water stains
One of the easiest ways to identify leaks in the plumbing system is to check for water stains on the walls and ceilings. Leaky pipes underneath hardwood floors or brick walls are challenging to locate, but the water seeps in sooner or later. You will notice wet feet and damp walls if that happens. If you see anything like that, ask the real estate company or the homeowner to fix the issue before buying the house.
4. Primary sewer drain
You must inspect the primary sewer drain if you are buying an old house. Primary sewer drains may break over time. Or maybe tree roots are growing underneath, and the homeowner doesn't even know about it because he doesn't live here. Whatever the case may be, it's best to take a look at the primary sewer drain to avoid clogging during heavy monsoons. You wouldn't want to clean debris and slime flowing through your front yard because of a blocked sewer drain.
5. Septic system
In addition to the primary sewer drain, you should also investigate the septic system. Call a plumber that has a drain camera to check the interior of the septic tank. Sometimes you will notice broken septic pipes due to the growth of tree roots or regular wear and tear. Consider fixing the septic system before moving in.
Buying a house means a significant investment. But it's better to be safe instead of investing instinctively. Make sure you check these plumbing aspects first before signing on that cheque.
