Plumbing Checklist When Buying a House

Buying your first home can be exciting. Finding out that you need to shell out thousands of dollars after you buy your new home can quickly turn into a disaster. Paying a minimum amount for a general plumbing services checkup can save you a lot of time and money. So, here’s what you should do before making a commitment to a property owner during a homebuying process.

  • Check the sink and shower for water pressure and drain time. A slow drain suggests a clog if the water shutoff valve is fully open. It could also be improper pipe sizing that should be wider than 3/4th of an inch exteriorly and a ½ inch to all the home’s faucets. It is also important to check to ensure your pipes are not made of lead. The plumbing codes were updated in the 1980s, so the age of the home will factor into coding issues that need to be updated before move-in or soon afterward, most especially if children are present.
  • Flush the toilet and see how fast it refills or fails to stop running as it should. You should expect it to refill in about two to three minutes. This can be a costly mistake that will increase your utility bill before you even realize a toilet never stops refilling. A quick plumbing repair is to replace the flapper and seal. While a plumber is there for a general plumbing check, we can also check the caulking and grout to see if it needs a repair, too.
  • Flush the water heater to check for sediment. While it can simply be from hard water, it can affect water temperature and cause your electric or gas usage to increase. If you buy a home, it’s a smart idea to have our experienced techs at J Griffin Heating and Plumbing do a checkup for general plumbing services for any of these water heater issues.
  • Check for water leaks both inside and out. You want to especially take notice in the basement, crawl spaces, and appliance connections like the dishwasher and the washing machine. It is also helpful to record what the water meter reads and check it in a few weeks to measure usage. If you notice a higher than normal reading, there is likely a leak.
  • If a dishwasher is present in the home, check the drain and sprayer arm for proper functioning. A general plumber will ensure you have an inspection of the system but can provide an estimate for these minor repairs should you decide to buy your new home. It’s also the perfect time to change all the hoses to these appliances to get off to a great start.
  • Not every home will have a sump pump. If there is a basement or lower-lying part of the home, it will likely have a sump pump to stop flooding, so you’ll want to check it as it can be a pricier plumbing repair cost. The sump pump can easily be tested by pouring some water in the silo until the float triggers the motor. If it does not respond, it might need to be repaired or replaced, which our technicians can give you an estimate on site.
  • Check for rising damp on the lower level walls, especially basements. Rising damp indicates there are porous building materials allowing moisture to infiltrate a home’s infrastructure. It is also a sign of potential flooding after heavy rains because of improper drainage. A plumbing check will not only find the cause but provide definitive solutions.
  • Inspect the water heater for signs of aging or malfunctioning. You will want to pay attention to the age of the water heater. You should expect an average of ten years. If it is aging past its shelf life, you will need to replace your hot water heater before a move-in.
  • Have the plumber inspect the sprinkler system for proper functioning and leaks.
  • Inspect all exterior water valves, faucets, sprinklers, and garden hoses to ensure they don’t need a repair or replacement. Exterior faucets are typically on the wall of the home or near the water shut-off valve depending on the age of the home in question.

Give J Griffin Heating and Plumbing a call at (781) 521-2188 to set up your general plumbing services inspection or contact us at https://www.facebook.com/JGriffinHeatingandPlumbing/.