If you’re currently in the market to purchase your next home, congratulations! Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or have done this before, it’s absolutely an exciting step. There are several crucial factors to consider and steps to follow before finalizing a sale; it can all be overwhelming trying to find the best house for your family. But remember, when touring potential homes, don’t forget to consider the plumbing system as well. To avoid unexpected surprises, it’s crucial to be aware of potential issues before purchasing a home. Fortunately, your professionals at Five Star Cincinnati Plumbing have compiled a list of 5 red flags you can watch out for when touring a prospective home.
RED FLAG #1 – AN OLDER WATER HEATER
If the water heater is not mentioned in the house listing, you can inquire about its age during your walk-through. If you can’t get the information you need this way, you can conduct a visual inspection to get a rough estimate of its age and condition. For instance, if you see a lot of dust, rust, or water at the base of the water heater when inspecting it, it could mean several things – it’s an older unit, has been poorly maintained, or has some underlying issues. Generally, water heaters last for 8-12 years. Therefore, if the water heater is around that age, you’ll want to be prepared to replace it soon if you move forward with the house sale.
RED FLAG #2 – LOW WATER PRESSURE
Checking the water pressure is an important step during a house walk-through, but admittedly it’s often forgotten. It’s recommended to test every faucet and shower to ensure adequate water pressure throughout the house. Additionally, it’s a good idea to let the water run for a few minutes to identify any potential issues with poor water pressure before leaving the room. Low water pressure issues are something you want to be aware of before moving in, as they can quickly turn into a significant problem to fix.
RED FLAG #3 – DAMAGED DRAINS & WATER LINES
In the next step, we will focus on the visible drains and water lines, which can be done simultaneously with the previous step. While checking the water pressure of sinks or showers, take a look at each drain and search for any rust accumulation. Although it’s uncommon to find this issue, it can create problems if present. Furthermore, inspect all exposed water lines, including those under sinks in the kitchen and bathroom. Check for any leaks or discoloration while the faucet is running, and keep an eye out for dripping water.
RED FLAG #4 – WATER DAMAGE
Recognizing water damage is crucial as it can lead to expensive and inconvenient repairs. To do so, you must be aware of the various signs. There are different ways in which water damage can manifest. The following tips will help you identify and recognize them.
- Inspect the bases of the toilets in the house for pooling or puddles. If you find either of these, it could be a sign of a leak.
- Check each room’s ceiling for water stains, as they may indicate previous leaks from pipes or the roof.
- Don’t forget to check the basement and crawlspaces for water stains and leaks. Water damage can also happen in these spaces, so make sure to give them a thorough inspection.
RED FLAG #5 – NO MAINTENANCE RECORDS
If you are considering buying a home, make sure to ask questions about its plumbing system. Although it may seem bothersome, remember that it’s important to be aware of its condition beforehand. You can also request the plumbing maintenance records for additional reassurance. Having access to these records can be helpful in the future. Conversely, the absence of maintenance records or a significant number of repairs in one area could be a red flag.
WHAT ABOUT A PLUMBING INSPECTION:
When making a big commitment, such as buying a house, it’s essential to have peace of mind. Fortunately, we offer a plumbing inspection service that can give you just that! Homebuyers can usually negotiate this service into the terms if they decide to move forward with the house purchase is complete. (Just bear in mind, if the inspection is done before the sale is complete, the owner is responsible for arranging it.) Our licensed plumbers will perform a comprehensive evaluation and inspection of the plumbing equipment, pipes, and drainage systems to ensure everything is in proper working order. Furthermore, they will meticulously examine various important plumbing sections and equipment to ensure optimal functionality.
Doing this will help you determine whether the home is suitable for your family or not. You can use the inspection results as a negotiating point to your advantage if needed. It can also help you decide if you should continue your pursual of the house or start searching for your next dream home.
Are you in search of a reliable plumbing company? We are here and eager to provide you with our services! Call Five Star Cincinnati Plumbing today at (513) 204-9944, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
