If you are currently looking for your next place to call home and are in the market to buy a house, congrats! Whether you are a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned one, there are important factors to consider and steps to follow before finalizing a sale. Remember, as you tour potential homes, it’s crucial to keep the plumbing system in mind to avoid unexpected and costly expenses after you move in. To help with this, Five Star Dayton Plumbing has created a list of 5 red flags to look out for during your home-searching process.
1. HOW OLD IS THE WATER HEATER?
If the water heater is not mentioned in the house listing, you can ask about its age during the walk-through. If that doesn’t provide the information you need, you can inspect the unit to get a rough idea of its age and condition. Signs such as dust, rust, or water at the base of the unit could indicate age, poor maintenance, or issues with the water heater. Furthermore, if the water heater in the house you’re considering buying is around 8-12 years old, it may need to be replaced soon, as this is the general life span of these units. It’s a good idea to keep this in mind as you decide whether to move forward with the purchase, as this can be a great negotiating point for you.
2. HOW IS THE WATER PRESSURE?
When doing your walk-through of a house, it’s important to remember to check the water pressure as well. Even though it’s easy to forget, poor water pressure can cause unpleasant and expensive problems. You can test all faucets and showers to make sure the water pressure is adequate throughout the house.
3. HOW ARE THE DRAINS AND WATER LINES?
This step complements the previous one. You’ll want to look down each drain and inspect for any signs of rust. Although it is rare, should you find any, it can be a headache to fix. On top of that, it is important to examine the exposed water lines. This means checking those under sinks in the kitchen and bathroom. What you’ll be looking for is leaks or discoloration and checking for dripping water under the sinks while the faucet is still running.
4. HOW ABOUT WATER DAMAGE?
Water damage is definitely a red flag you want to watch out for as fixing the issue and taking care of the damage can be costly. Follow these tips to recognize water damage as you tour a prospective home.
- Inspect the bases of the toilets in the house to see if there is any pooling or puddles. If you find any, it could be a sign of a leak and there could be water damage around the area.
- Check all the ceilings in the house for water stains, which could be a result of previous leaks in the pipes or roof.
- Examine the basement and crawlspaces as well for any water stains or leaks. These spaces are often overlooked but water damage can also happen in these areas.
5. HOW ABOUT THE HOUSE’S PLUMBING RECORDS?
It’s important to ask about the plumbing system when considering buying a home, even if it feels like a hassle. Knowing the condition of the plumbing is crucial, so don’t be afraid to ask questions. It may also be helpful to request maintenance records for the plumbing to give you added peace of mind. These records could prove useful down the line, and a lack of them or evidence of repeated repairs to a specific area could be a red flag.
A PLUMBING INSPECTION:
Making a big commitment like buying a house can be stressful, but the good news is our plumbing inspection service can give you that extra peace of mind you need. If you decide to move forward with a house, you can possibly negotiate this service into the terms. (The inspection will need to be scheduled by the owner if it is done before the sale is complete.)
Our licensed plumbers will do a comprehensive evaluation and inspection of your plumbing equipment, pipes, and drainage systems to make sure everything is working correctly. They will also examine various critical plumbing spaces and equipment for optimal functionality. This will give you the necessary assurance to make a confident decision about whether this home is a good fit for your family or if you should keep looking for your dream home. Additionally, depending on the inspection results, it may give you some leverage for negotiation.
Are you in need of a trustworthy plumbing company? Our services are readily available, and we would be delighted to assist you! Call Five Star Dayton Plumbing today at (937) 230-6506, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
