Buying a home is one of the biggest purchases a person makes, so it is important to do due diligence in ensuring there are no underlying issues that you will have to deal with after the deal is done.
Plumbing is huge part of a home, with the kitchen, bathroom and laundry all connected to some sort of plumbing fixture. Therefore, it’s important that you complete a homebuyer’s plumbing checklist.
In this blog, we share the top 4 ways to check the plumbing when searching for a new home. This will prevent costly repairs once you purchase the home.
Plumbing Checklist
1. Check the Water colour and Flow
One of the easiest things you can do to check for plumbing quality is to turn on the taps and showers. Carefully observe the colour and flow as this shows how good the plumbing is.
Colour: the water should be clear. If it appears brownish or murky it means the mains water supply has issues or there are damaged pipes. If it is the latter, read our blog on what to do if you have a burst pipe.
Flow: Water flow should be steady and smooth, it will only trickle if there is a problem. So, it is good to check.
2. Check for Water Leaks
Another easy way to check a home’s plumbing is to look for any signs of a water leak. Some good places to inspect are under the sink and around toilets and tubs.
Search for any moisture, water stains, peeling material, and mould - these are all signs of water leak. See our 5 Ways to detect a water leak to learn more.
If you do purchase the home and have an unexpected water leak, read our blog to see what to Do About a Dreaded Water Leak.
3. Flush the Toilets
This is a simple but important test as imagine moving into a new home and having a blocked toilet to deal with on the first night. When flushing the toilet ensure it empties & refills correctly.
Whilst you are checking the toilet, also check that the toilet seat is not wobbly and is screwed on well.
4. Check the Water Heater
This is the test to check the taps and showers will heat up – and in a quick timeframe. Here it’s important to ensure that the hot water doesn’t take too long to make its way to the tap or shower. There is nothing worse than waiting for ages for the water to heat up, especially on a cold winter’s morning. If this is an issue, see our blog on what to do if the shower is taking forever to heat up.
It’s also important to also check whether the water unit is located inside or outside the house. Outside is best, as it means if the unit bursts, no damage will be done to the home.
This then brings us to checking the pipes that connect to the water system. It’s important to check they are not too old or corroded.
There you have it – the top 4 ways to check the plumbing when searching for a new home. Simple but necessary and a way to prevent you making a very expensive decision.
Need to Contact a Plumbing Professional?
Essendon Plumbing Services has an experienced team of licensed plumbing professionals ready to find and fix your plumbing problems.
We offer a fast reliable 24/7 plumber any Melbourne suburb. Call us now on 1300 231 976 or book online.
4 Ways to Save Money on Plumbing
19 Catalina Drive Tullamarine VIC 3043
03 9335 4755
info@essendonplumbingservices.com.au
