Some plumbing problems can be easily missed when buying a new home, especially if you’re a new home buyer. Before you sign the dotted line, look out for these red flags.
Broken Toilets
When looking for the right house, you need to make sure your toilets are in good, working condition. A malfunctioning toilet isn’t just annoying, it can be embarrassing.
To see if a toilet is in good condition, first look for any damage around the area. Look for cracks in the bowl, leaks, and any nearby discoloration. Don’t forget to give toilets a flush, too. If the toilet sounds like water is continuously running after flushing, it could indicate the chain or flapper needs to be replaced. These are easy fixes but something you should ask the seller to replace.
If the floor feels soft or if the bowl wiggles when you move it, ask the homeowner why. A leaking toilet can rot and damage your floors. To avoid this, seals and gaskets should be periodically and professionally replaced. If damage is already done, request the seller to repair the issue and damage caused, credit you money, or pass on the purchase of the house.
Clogged Drains
Clogged drains are one of the most common plumbing problems out there. But, just because they’re common doesn’t mean there isn’t cause for worry. Clogged drains should be fixed as soon as possible to prevent serious leaks and damage to pipes.
To check drains yourself, turn on faucets and let them run for two to three minutes. The drain should drain quickly and for the entire duration the water is left running. If the water isn’t draining properly or it’s draining slowly, you’re dealing with a clogged drain.
While you’re checking drains, take it one step further and see if there are any signs of water damage, mold, or leaks under the sinks. For kitchen sinks, if the drain line or disposal has been painted, be cautious, as this can be a sign the previous owners are covering up a dated system.
Aging Water Heater
The age of your water heater can indicate plumbing problems you may experience in your new home, so determining the age is essential.
The average life of a water heater is 10 years. An old water heater being used past its expiration can end in the water heater giving out and causing flooding. And water heaters aren’t cheap to replace – they can cost thousands of dollars. This means it’s crucial to examine whether the water heater is working correctly and that it isn’t too old. Check for signs of corrosion, dampness around the water heater, and lack of hot water. If you notice any of these, there might be a problem with the heater.
Bad Water Quality
The only thing worse than a lack of water in your home is contaminated water. Even if you plan to use bottled water, you don’t want to shower or clean your clothes in discolored water. If you notice discoloration in the water, it’s usually a sign of chronic plumbing problems. This issue should be brought up to the sellers.
In the East Valley of Arizona, we’re no strangers to hard water. But it’s important to see if any steps are being taken to protect appliances, pipes, and the water heater in a house you’re looking to buy. This could look like regular maintenance and inspections to avoid mineral build-up in pipes and water heaters.
Remember, hard water is going to be difficult to avoid when purchasing a house in the Phoenix area. However, it’s good to be aware that water filtration and softening solutions can be added to homes to help with water taste, mineral build-up, and appliance usage.
Outdated Sewage System
When it comes to plumbing problems, an outdated or damaged sewage system is cause for great concern.
When considering buying a home, you must determine the type and condition of the sewage system. Accumulation of dirt and debris over a long period can cause it to clog, allowing sewage to back up into the house. Sewage lines can also be damaged by nearby tree roots, and old, deteriorating lines can collapse. For a quick check, look for water leakage, seepage, or unpleasant smells around the drains, all of which are warning signs. Letting a professional plumber run a camera through the line to inspect and analyze its condition is also a good call.
We are always here to help out those in Phoenix, Paradise Valley, Chandler, Surprise, and most of the East Valley of Arizona.
Let City Plumbing Services be There for Your Family
These are just a few important plumbing problems you need to be aware of when buying a house. If you need help identifying these issues or own a home and need these problems fixed, let us help. At City Plumbing Services, our plumbers are licensed, bonded, and insured, and will get the job done quickly and efficiently. We’re located in Cave Creek, but are ready to help those in Phoenix, Paradise Valley, Chandler, Surprise, and most of the East Valley of Arizona.
