Five plumbing items to check when buying a property

Buying a house is the biggest investment most people ever make in their lifetime. Therefore don’t let your heart rule your head! Your heart lets you know the property is where you see yourself living; however, before signing the sales transaction, it’s important to remember that you need to purchase it without emotion getting in the way. There are plenty of house buyer guides online that let you know what to look out for when viewing a property but even the best builder won’t necessarily put up on everything that could be problematic. Plumbing and wiring are often overlooked during property inspections!

Admiring a new shower unit or modern kitchen appliances doesn’t tell you about the pipes or wiring. Do an online search for ‘Reliable Plumber‘ in your location and book in an inspection of the pipes – it could save you a fortune should on inspection you find out it needs full replacement. Get a quote for the replacement cost and consider reducing your purchase price before the sales transaction is unconditional. If it’s too late to get an inspection done here are some tips.

The main shut off valve

If you ever have a leak or burst in your new home, you need to be able to shut the water off as soon as possible. This is why you should always check the location of the main shut off valve when you purchase a new property. You should also check that the valve is working as it should. It’s always best to be prepared for any problems, and this is part of doing just that.

It’s also worth speaking to an expert such as Plumbing Detectives when you first move in. You can ask them to inspect for you. You can also keep their details to hand so that you have someone to call should an emergency occur.

The fitting of water pipes

Checking the condition of pipes if they’re not plastic, they could be showing signs of rust. No pipe is invincible; even plastic pipes could have cracks in them. They may also have been badly fitted in the first place. This can cause problems with water pressure and may also lead to leaks or bursts.

The condition of sewer pipes

Repairing or replacing a sewer pipe is expensive. Sewer problems can also lead to you having a backyard full of sewage. This is something you do not want to experience. Sewer pipes become degraded over time, so you should always check on the situation regarding these pipes before you buy a property.

Is the toilet leaking?

You may be able to tell if there are problems with a toilet, by simply flushing it, and seeing if it continues to run. Many problems can be solved fairly easily, but issues should still be mentioned when you are thinking of making a house purchase. You should also check for any leaks around the base of a toilet, which could have an adverse effect on the structure of the property, over time.

How old is the water heater?

Most water heaters have a lifespan of around ten years. If the water heater in the home you are buying is approaching this age, there is a good chance that you will start to experience problems. You may want to ask the current owners to address the problem before you buy, or negotiate an amendment to the purchase price.

All of these plumbing concerns can be costly to fix if left for some time. This is why it’s so important to pay attention to more than the fixtures and fittings when you are buying a property.