Plumbing Checklist for First-Time Home Buyers

Finding Plumbing Problems

There’s no doubt that buying your first home is a nerve-wracking experience. You feel overwhelmed by the number of decisions to be made and without the right advice, you can easily fall into traps. You’ve worked hard for this moment, so don’t miss the chance to properly inspect a house before making an offer. Read our guide on what to look out for so that you don’t buy a house with plumbing problems.

How To Inspect A House 

Plumbing is one of the most underestimated issues for first-time home buyers. When choosing a new home, make sure that all the amenities are working properly and that they are in good condition. So before you sign any papers, take the opportunity to conduct a thorough inspection of the house. Here’s a helpful checklist for your plumbing inspection: 

Inspect Sinks & Faucets

First things first, check all the faucets, sinks, and bathtubs in the house. Actually turn on the taps and run the water for a few seconds. Check that the water is not still dripping even after the faucet is firmly closed. Also open the cupboard doors under the sinks and see if the pipes are leaking or if there’s damp or mould. If there’s a plug handy, fill a sink or the bathtub with a little water and check that it drains properly. 

Check for Cracks

Small cracks may seem harmless at first, but they can cause severe issues when left unchecked for too long. Look for even the smallest of cracks on showers, toilets, and sinks. These cracks can quickly worsen with use and purchasing a home with existing outer cracks can result in discolouration, leaks, and burst pipes.

Rust on Pipes

If you’re visiting an older home, it’s important to keep an eye out for rusted pipes. First, make sure that water heaters and pipes in the basement are not rusted. If you find evidence of rust, see if you can easily scrape off the rust, or whether it is so badly rusted that it will require a complete replacement.

Working Water Heater

Most water heaters have a lifespan of eight to twelve years. Be sure to ask how old the existing water heater is and if you’re concerned about its condition, contact domestic plumbing services in Newcastle. Get an expert to look at the water heater so that you can estimate the number of years that it has left before you’ll run into trouble. 

Look at Rooms Beneath Bathrooms

When touring the house, don’t just look at the floor and walls. Also pay attention to the ceiling, particularly the ones in rooms beneath toilets and bathrooms. Stains on the ceiling are a clear indication of leaking pipes and plumbing problems. 

Flush the Toilet

When you visit the bathroom, make sure to flush the toilet. This is one way to test the water pressure and water supply in the house. A slow-draining toilet also signifies clogging and other plumbing problems. You may want to flush the toilet twice to check if the valves are working well.

Working Drainage & Sewer System

A house’s drainage and sewer system are often overlooked. You’ll need to check these to avoid water flooding your basement and causing significant structural damage to your new home. When it comes to the sewer system, make sure that the septic tank is working and that there are no overflows. You can hire a plumber in Lake Macquarie to do this inspection for you.

Bring Along a Professional Plumber

If you can, it's a good idea to get the opinion of a professional plumber. While this checklist will get you started, there are plumbing problems that only a trained eye can see. With their expertise, you can be sure that your first house won’t have plumbing that will cause you endless trouble.