4 Plumbing Issues to Look for When Buying a Home

Buying a house is an expensive investment. When you move into your dream home, the last thing you want is to find out it needs costly repairs. While you may notice damaged siding or a crumbling roof at first glance, you’ll need to take a closer look to find potential plumbing issues. Here are some possible plumbing problems to look for before you buy.

1) Find Out the Age of the Water Heater

Generally, water heaters need to be replaced after a decade. Before buying, ask the current homeowner how old the water heater is. If it’s nearing ten years old, keep in mind that you’ll have to spring for a replacement soon. But if it’s newer and there are no obvious signs of corrosion, there’s nothing to worry about.

2) Test the Water Pressure

Poor water pressure can be a major annoyance to deal with as a homeowner. It means your sinks, showers and washing machine won’t function as efficiently as they should. It also indicates a larger issue within your plumbing system. Testing with a pressure gauge will tell you if a home’s water pressure is at the level it should be.

3) Check for Signs of Water Damage

Visible water damage may indicate an ongoing plumbing issue in a home. Check for brown marks on ceilings to ensure there hasn’t been a recent leak. It’s especially important to look for stains and leaks in basements, attics and crawlspaces.

4) Inspect Water and Drain Lines

These two are pretty easy to inspect quickly. Turn on the faucet in a sink and see how quickly it drains. Inspect the drain for any corrosion or other damage. Look at the water lines underneath the sink to ensure that they don’t leak and don’t have any signs of damage.

If you follow these tips, you should be able to identify any issues before you buy a home. But sometimes, a plumbing problem can sneak up on you. If you have an issue with leaking, Inland Empire Leak Detection will inspect it for free. Our experienced professionals are ready to respond to emergency leak issues 24 hours a day and can handle any problem you have. Call (951)442-5339 to learn more today.