How to Check For Plumbing Problems When Buying a New Home

Posted in General Plumbing Services, on August 05, 2024

Buying a new place and moving in can be incredibly exciting. It’s the culmination of a long cherished dream for most homeowners. However, there are many critical factors that you must consider before finalizing the deal. For example, identifying potential problems like pesky plumbing issues is essential to estimate future costs like water heater repair or maintenance. Encountering leaks and old plumbing pipes after moving in can cause trouble and expensive re-piping work. Before you make this life-altering decision, look for signs of potential problems and contact your local plumbing experts for a home plumbing inspection. A professional plumber in Fort Lauderdale can scrutinize the property for plumbing flaws so that you can be aware and negotiate the sale accordingly. As the resident plumbing experts, here are Broward Plumbing’s red flags to watch out for before purchasing a home in Fort Lauderdale. 

Old Plumbing Pipes 

One of the first things to check is the type of pipes used in the property. Older homes, especially the ones built 30-40 years ago, may have lead, cast iron, or galvanized pipes. While lead is a health hazard, cast iron and galvanized iron pipelines can rust and erode over time. This can cause potential cracks, leaks, and pipe bursts. It is highly recommended to call an experienced plumber in Fort Lauderdale to check the age of the plumbing. If the plumbing system is old, you can ask the seller to re-pipe the house or factor in the cost of pipe replacement while finalizing the sale.

Toilet Trouble

Ensure that all the toilets are checked thoroughly for any problems. Inspect the internal flush mechanism and verify that it is working correctly. If water doesn’t drain properly or keeps running after flushing, there may be an issue with the gasket or flapper. Look at the base for discoloration or signs of moisture, as these can be warning signs of a leak or other extensive plumbing issues. 

Sewage Drains

Inspecting the sewage system is critical to rule out leaks, cracks, sagging, clogs, tree-root infestation, and other issues. Getting plumbing experts to check the sewage lines and carry out a drain video camera inspection is the best way to assess the health of the sewage drains and the health of the plumbing pipes. 

Low Water Pressure and Quality

Low or fluctuating water pressure in the house is another red flag. Turn on faucets/showers in the house to ensure adequate water pressure. Use multiple taps simultaneously to see that the pressure does not drop when more water is used. You can also inspect the water quality based on the colour and smell to determine if the water is fresh. Look out for any sediment or a weird taste.

Water Damage

Water damage is a sign of some type of major plumbing problem, so look out for visible signs of water damage to the home. Look carefully at the ceilings, floor and walls of the home to look for any discolouration, bubbling or signs of mildew. Yellow stains will often appear on ceilings, and streaks and cracks can appear on floors. If you notice this, this could indicate past or present water damage and, potentially, mold. 

Old/Faulty Water Heater 

The average life span of a hot water heater is around 8-10 years. Check when the existing water heater was installed. If it is past its expiration date, replace it with a newer, energy-efficient model. Look for signs of leaks or corrosion around the tank. Checking the faucets to see the time taken to heat up the water will also indicate the working of the hot water appliance. There might be issues with the heater if it takes longer for warm water to flow through the faucets and showers.

DIY Plumbing Fixes 

Look for DIY plumbing fixes undertaken by the existing owner. A reliable plumber in Fort Lauderdale will be able to check such repairs and ensure they were done correctly. You surely don’t want to incur expensive repair bills as soon as you move in!

Why a Plumbing Inspection from Broward Plumbing Matters

Identifying plumbing issues before signing the dotted line can save a veritable fortune on future repairs. It will also ensure your dream home is safe and habitable. Hire the plumbing experts at Broward Plumbing to thoroughly inspect the plumbing and heating system in the home you’re considering. We’ve been proudly serving residents in Broward County for decades. Our team of certified professional plumbers in Fort Lauderdale can tackle all plumbing issues, including water heater repair and pipe repair in your new home. 

Call us to schedule a thorough plumbing inspection today! 

CALL NOW!