If you are in search of the next house to call “home sweet home,” congrats! Owning a home is definitely a milestone to celebrate – even if you are still currently in the house–searching process. Whether you’re a first-time home buyer or have experience with this before, purchasing a home is an exciting step, but let’s be real…it can also be overwhelming. There are many things to look for that check off all your boxes and factors to consider in decision-making.
Today, Miamisburg Plumbing & Drain is here to remind you to not forget about looking at the plumbing system during this process. There’s a lot to be on the watch for, and the plumbing system in a potential home needs to be on the top of that list. For this reason, you’ll want to pay attention to any red flags that could be present during your walk-through of a home you are interested in. Fortunately, we have made a list of 5 red flags that every homebuyer should keep an eye out for during their home tours to help ease your load.
Red Flag Number One: Check the Water Heater
How old is the water heater? Most house listings will contain this information, but if it doesn’t, you can quickly check the age and condition of the water heater during the house tour. You’ll want to look for signs such as excessive dust buildup, corrosion, or puddles around the unit’s base, which may indicate poor maintenance, an older unit, or an underlying problem. Generally, water heaters last 8-12 years, so if the unit is around this age, you should prepare accordingly in case it will need to be replaced if you decide to make an offer on the home.
Red Flag Number Two: Check the Water Pressure
Secondly, water pressure is often overlooked. However, it’s an important step to take because dealing with low water pressure can be a hassle and expensive. Checking every faucet and shower during the walk-through is a good idea. As you inspect the kitchens and bathrooms, turn on the water and let it run for a few minutes. This will help you determine if there is any issue with the water pressure. Again, this is simply something you’ll want to be aware of due to potential repair costs.
Red Flag Number Three: Check the Drains & Water Lines
Next, let’s move on to the next step, which is actually linked to the previous one, making it easier to “kill two birds with one stone.” We will now focus on checking the drains and visible water lines. Just check each drain while checking the water pressure of sinks, showers, etc., and look for rust buildup. This is a pretty rare thing to find, but if you find this red flag, it could be quite a headache. Secondly, you’ll want to check all visible water lines (like under the kitchen or bathroom sinks.) Look for leaks or signs of discoloration, and while the faucet is running, check for dripping water underneath.
Red Flag Number Four: Check for Water Damage
Water damage can be a significant problem, so this is another thing you want to watch out for. It can come in many forms, so here are some tips to help you recognize and detect water damage.
- Inspect the toilet bases in the house and look for any pooling or puddles. If you observe any, there may be a possibility that the toilet is leaking. If you find a leak, check the surrounding area for water damage.
- Look up. It’s important to inspect the ceilings throughout your house. Brown spots on the ceiling could indicate past leaks from pipes or the roof.
- As you continue your tour, make sure to also inspect the basement and crawlspaces (when possible) for any signs of water stains or leaks. These spaces are naturally overlooked but not invincible to water damage.
Red Flag Number Five: Check the Plumbing Maintenance Records
Don’t feel bad about asking questions about the plumbing system when considering the pursual of a home. Asking probing questions is essential to give you the confidence to make an informed decision. If you are making an offer on the house, it’s even okay to ask for the maintenance and repair records, as it could help you in the future. If the owners can’t provide maintenance records after being in the house for so long, it’s not a deal breaker but may be a cause for concern. Lastly, too many repairs in one part of the home’s plumbing system can definitely raise some questions and be a red flag of which you will want to be mindful.
THE SOLUTION – A PLUMBING INSPECTION:
We get it. It’s all so daunting, and you want to make the right decision. But what is the right decision? The truth is, there is no perfect answer. In the end, you will have to make the best choice for you and your family. But to help ease your mind so you know all that you are getting into before committing to buying a house, we offer a plumbing inspection service that can be included in the terms of your house offer.
With our plumbing inspection, one of our licensed plumbers will thoroughly examine all the home’s plumbing equipment, pipes, and drainage systems. They will thoroughly inspect various crucial plumbing areas and related equipment to ensure everything is functioning properly and up to standard. This can give you the added confidence you need to determine if this house is suitable for your family or if it is a deal you need to walk away from. On the plus side, based on the results, it can also serve as a negotiating point to your advantage. Keep in mind, though you may request this inspection with the seller, should they agree, typically, this appointment is scheduled by them or their realtor.
Hopefully, this information has helped you as you search for your ideal home. It’s important to note that these points are not necessarily deal breakers but rather things to be aware of so that you’re not caught off guard after moving in. If you are looking for a dependable plumbing company that you can trust, call Miamisburg Plumbing & Drain today at (937) 705-0297, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!