Buying a house is a big decision and there are so many things to get right that it’s easy to forget about the seemingly smaller stuff. However, getting the plumbing and the electric lines of a house checked is most certainly not something that anyone can afford to ignore, given that the final price of the house will vary quite a bit, depending on the condition of its utility lines. On that note, here are five things to check for while inspecting the plumbing system of a property that you are looking to buy.
The Water Supply Pipes
The most important – and often the most problematic section of the plumbing system – is, of course, the water supply pipes. Here is a small list of questions that you need to ask while inspecting them.
- Are the pipes too old to be repaired, or too new to be replaced?
- If there are PVC pipes, are they safe enough to be used for supplying drinking water?
- Old galvanized steel pipes can develop holes; are there any?
- Are the pipes made out of toxic materials such as polybutylene or lead?
- If the plumbing has cast iron pipes, how bad is the rust build up inside them?
As you can imagine, these are not problems that people can identify to replace or repair by themselves unless they have professional experience, so call in your Pittsburgh plumber to help you determine how much it will cost to get your water supply pipes in order. Depending on the expert advice of professionals, you will likely be able to strike a better bargain with the house as well.
Rust in Water
Vacant properties that have been out of use for a while will generally have a bit of rust build-up and, as a result of that, you should see some of it when you turn on the tap. However, if the house has been in use and you still see rust in the tap water, it indicates corrosion.
Water Pressure
The simplest way to determine the water pressure is by turning on all the water outlets, including the facets and the showers, at once. If the pressure isn’t satisfactory, you might need bigger pipes.
A Leaking Toilet
A leaking toilet, especially one that is leaking at its base. poses a number of serious threats such as mold formation, bacterial growth and water damage to the building. Take the following simple measures to make sure the toilet is not leaking.
- Sounds of water running into the cistern long after you have flushed the toilet
- Water stains on the ceiling below the bathroom
- Flush the toilet a few times and look for visible water leakage down the sides of the toilet bowl
The Sewer Line
The sewer line leading to the outside needs to be checked for clogs, corroded pipes, and even tree roots, preferably with a camera and by professionals.
Note that this is not a comprehensive listbut checking these five aspects of the plumbing system should definitely be your priority before you finalize the deal on the house.
Article Submitted By Community Writer
