Buying a home is a costly venture that requires proper financial planning. So, you would not want a home with multiple plumbing issues that could cost you a lot of money. You have to ensure that all the plumbing fixtures are in great shape before buying any home.
Most plumbing issues are expensive to repair, and that’s why you should examine all the plumbing fixtures’ condition before closing a deal. You can do that by yourself or hire professionals like Plumb-Tech Plumbing & Heating to help you do the job.
Thankfully, we’ve prepared a comprehensive list of all the plumbing fixtures to check when purchasing a home. You’ll also learn how to fix different plumbing issues.
Plumbing Fixtures to Check When Purchasing a House
Examining the condition of various plumbing fixtures can help you avoid major repairs costs after buying a home. Here are some of the most crucial plumbing fixtures to look at when purchasing a home.
1. Faucets
Faucets are the most common plumbing fixtures in a house. You should confirm if all the faucets in the home you’re about to buy are working correctly. Ensure that no faucet is leaking before you invest in the house. So, how do you determine the leaky faucets?
Turn on the house’s faucets to see if the water is coming out in each of them. You can then shut off all the faucets and check if there are leaks. If you see water dripping, it could mean that the faucets are damaged and need to be repaired or replaced.
2. Sinks
All sinks usually have faucets that supply water and sometimes come with sprays that allow strong water streams. They also have drain systems where water flows out after usage. You can use the sinks to wash your hands, dishes, and other small items.
The sink’s drain system can clog when much soap and debris get trapped within the pipes. In many cases, you can clear the clogs using a plunger or a mixture of vinegar and baking soda. But in extreme cases, you may have to involve a professional.
3. Water Heater
Another essential plumbing fixture that you must look at is the water heater. Replacing it immediately after paying for a home can be burdening. That’s why you need to check its condition before buying a house. Here are the things to look for in the water heater:
- Age and lifespan of the water heater
- Evidence of rust and corrosion on various parts of the tank
- The capacity of the water heater to see if it’s enough for your household
- Evidence of leaks and obvious damages at the outlet and inlet valves
- Strange noises come from the tank when switched on to run
4. Toilets
The toilets’ condition also matters a lot, especially when it comes to hygiene. Before you buy a house, you should check if the toilets are leaking. If there are leaks, it could mean that the toilet flapper is faulty. It’s a piece of rubber that helps to prevent water leaks.
With a running toilet, you can lose up to 200 gallons of water every day. You can fix the issue by replacing the toilet flapper valve that controls water flow to the bowl.
Additionally, you should also check if the toilets are clogged. When the bowls fill up, but the water is not draining, it could be that there’s a clog in the toilet line.
Toilet blockages are usually caused by paper and human waste materials. The good news is that you can quickly unclog the toilets using a plunger or a sewer snake.
5. Showerheads
Showers are simple plumbing fixtures that use nozzles to stream water (hot or cold) over a standing person. You can inspect the showerhead to determine if it’s in good shape. Turn off the water supply and check if the fixture is leaking.
A showerhead that leaks at ten drips per minute can waste up to 500 gallons of water annually. To fix a leaky shower head, you must tighten the connections using a wrench or pipe tape. You can also replace the showerheads if a need arises.
6. Valves and Water Meter
Inspecting the water meter can help you determine if there are hidden leaks within the plumbing fixtures. Turn off all the faucets you are about to purchase in the house, and check if the water meter is still running. If so, there must be a leak somewhere. An innovative way to monitor your water usage and detect leaks early is by using Bluebot, which connects to your smartphone and provides real-time water usage data.
You can also shut off the water supply valves entirely and turn on a few faucets to see if the water is still flowing. If some water gushes out or drips from the faucets, the shut-off valves could be faulty. You’ll have to replace the valves to avoid inconvenience.
7. Bathtubs
Bathtubs are standard plumbing fixtures in many modern homes. The modern ones are made of acrylic, enamel, or fibreglass. There are many types of bathtubs, including the:
- Western-style bathtubs
- Eastern-style bathtubs
- Whirlpool bathtubs
- Claw-foot tub
Regardless of the bathtub type in a house, you must ensure that it’s in good shape. Some common bathtub problems to check include tub faucet leaks, leaky showerheads, slow drains, and clogged drains. Also, check if moulds are growing in the tub.
8. Water Supply Pipes
Water pipes used in homes have evolved from galvanized steel to plastic. If the house you are about to buy has steel pipes, you may have to replace them because they corrode faster. Copper pipes tend to last longer than other materials.
When inspecting the water supply pipes, you should also check for leaks. When not detected early, pipe leaks can damage the floor and furniture, and encourage bugs. Most leaks usually occur at the pipe joints; you can use filler to fix them temporarily.
Final Words
Hiring a professional plumbing inspector is essential when buying a home. You need to look for a licensed plumber to examine all the plumbing fixtures in the house you intend to purchase. It will save you the repair costs that may come after paying for the home.
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