These days, home buyers are more educated than in previous year (and they should be!). We would love to say that we get phone calls to inspect the plumbing in homes “before” the buyer signs on the dotted line but unfortunately, that is not the case.
Especially if you are buying an older home (any home built more than 15 years ago) – you should have the plumbing checked!
So, we would like to share with you some of the things that we think you should be looking for in a new home before you actually purchase the home.
What Kind Of Pipes Does The Home Have?
A professional plumber can help to identify the types of pipes that your home is equipped with. The reason you want this checked is are…
- If the pipes are very old – they may be made out of galvanized steel or iron and if that is the case, they may have deteriorated and require replacing.
- If the pipes are made out of polybutylene – you definitely need to have them replaced.
- If the pipes are made out of lead – again, you definitely need to have them replaced.
Camera Inspections
Camera inspections are the best tools to inspect sewer pipes.
Sewer Camera Inspection Can Locate:
- Broken pipes, Cracked pipes, Collapsed pipes
- Buried backflow devices and buried cleanouts
- Foreign objects in pipes
- Off grade pipe (no slope or a “belly in the pipe”)
- Leaking joints and offset joints
- Root obstruction and Infiltration
- Blockages and Corrosion
- Sewer taps
Sewer Camera Inspection Can Inspect:
- House & service laterals
- House clean-outs
- Drain lines and septic tank lines
- Vent stacks, utility ducts, HVAC ducts
- Service conduits
- Water lines, floor drains, yard drains
- Chimneys and flues
Water Heaters
When buying a home you may ask your realtor about the age of the water heater but most home buyers don’t have it flushed out.
If the water heater is 10 years old or more – we recommend to have it replaced.
Toilets
Flushing the toilets is what most home inspectors and potential home buyers do. But a more thorough inspection should include testing the toilet for any leaks, testing to see if it wobbles and looking for any signs of rust or discoloration.
Under Sink Pipes
Just like inspecting toilets – you want to check for leaks as well as any signs of ruts and discoloration.
Water Pressure
Turn on all the water faucets full force in the home to test the water pressure in the faucets and showers.
Lower Levels (Crawlspace and Basements)
Look for signs of leaky pipes and water damage.
If you are in the process of or considering purchasing a home, call us today at 770-505-8570. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.