Why You Should Get a Plumbing Inspection Before Buying a New Home

One of the largest financial investments you'll make in your life is the one made in your home. Here, you'll make some of the most meaningful memories with the ones you love.

While it can be easy to get ahead of yourself as you anticipate the moment you walk in the door of your very own home, it's crucial that you take a step back and properly inspect potential prospects. The last thing you want is to run into problems once you've signed that final piece of paperwork during closing.

Plumbing problems, in particular, can quickly become a nightmare, and there are various areas you should be sure to inspect before making your final decision.

1. Check the Water Heater

Water heaters came into existence in 1889, and they made homes across America significantly more comfortable. Many of us take them for granted, but, when they become compromised, you'll certainly take notice of the various tasks they come in handy for.

From showering and doing dishes to cooking and more, you'll be seriously debilitated if your new home features a faulty water heater. In order to ensure you don't run into problems, it's a good idea to check the water heater. Some of the components you should be sure to inspect include:

• If there's no hot water, first check the pilot as this could be a quick fix.
• Observe the water that comes out of the hot faucet to check for rust.
• Check for muddy water or water saturated with sediment by attaching a hose in the drainage bib.
• Check hot water for a metallic taste
• Pay attention to any suspicious noises coming from the water heater such as loud cracks or pops.

2. Make Sure the Toilets Work

Another household tool we often take for granted is the toilet. The first practical water closet was created in England in 1778, and the invention was an obvious success. After all, who wants to go outside each time they have to use the restroom? However, if you purchase a home without a working toilet, you can find yourself in a very uncomfortable and compromised position. Just some of the problems you could encounter include:

• Weak flush- this usually indicates the toilet was made during the mid 1990's, and you can try pouring one part muriatic acid combined with ten parts water to correct the problem.
• Partial flush- this could mean your flapper valve is dropping too fast, and this can be fixed by installing a new one.
• Suctioning sounds in the sink and bathtub- if you notice these kinds of noises occurring, it's likely the toilet vent pipe is clogged or partially clogged.
• In some circumstances, it's necessary to have a professional plumber check the issue to pinpoint the problem and get to the bottom of it.

3. Check for Discolored Water

As previously mentioned, discolored water may be a sign that the water heater needs to be replaced. However, before you start pricing these expensive units, there are some other possibilities to take into consideration. For starters, galvanized iron plumbing is well known to wear away over the years, and you may need to have them replaced.

Before you seriously consider purchasing a home, it's crucial that you check the color of the water as discolored H2O could be a sign of expensive repairs to come.

4. Check for Dripping Taps

Dripping taps are often featured in movies, and they typically signify suspense. If you notice a dripping tap in the home you're considering purchasing, there certainly is merit for suspense. After all, this type of problem can start to make a sizable impact on your monthly water bill.

Furthermore, it's indicative that the tap or fittings around it are in need of immediate repair. It can be an easy fix, but if you're not familiar with the workings of a typical faucet, you may want to call in the professionals to get the unit back up and running the way it should.

5. Take the Garbage Disposal on a Test Drive

The garbage disposal is an ingenious invention, and it can certainly make things in the kitchen more convenient. While it's possible to live without this device, it can be frustrating when you purchase a home and realize the garbage disposal doesn't properly function. Fortunately, there are some signs you should be on the lookout for to indicate there is a problem, and just a few of these include:

• Unpleasant smells and unexpected messes when device is in use
• Unusual noises when in use
• Continual need to press the reset button
• Frequent clogs
• Dull blades
• A leak that's present that cannot otherwise be fixed

6. Check the Main Shut Off

It's crucial that you know where your water main is located as you may need to use it if you do choose to purchase the home. Once you know where it's at, you should check it for any problems. If you notice the main is leaking or otherwise not working properly, you should call an experienced plumber equipped with the special key used to shut off the exterior water.

A House That Becomes a Home

Once you find a home that passes these intricate inspections, you can rest assured that the investment is one that will offer you the level of comfort and quality you deserve. The decision to purchase a home is a serious one, and there's a lot of money already at stake. The last thing you want to do is run into expensive plumbing problems that could make a very good time in your life devastating.

The staff here at Lodder Brothers Limited has a thorough understanding of the types of issues you may run into, and we're here to help if you have any questions as you go through these processes. Just call us at (226) 780-4479 right here in Kitchener, ON today.