Pesky plumbing issues can easily be missed when buying a new home, especially when the buyer does not know how to identify plumbing issues just by looking at the pipes or under the sink. Some plumbing issues can easily be fixed, while others can lead to severe property damage and financial loss if they are not addressed timely by a reputed plumbing company.
Being knowledgeable about what you’re in for with a new home can save you an awful lot of money and stress.
As an experienced plumbing company, here are our five red flags you should look for before buying a house in Edmonton. For the process to be successful, we’d recommend you reach out to a professional plumbing company near you to inspect the property of any plumbing flaws carefully.
Leaky Toilet
Leaky toilets are the first signs to look for in order to identify if a house might have plumbing issues as their malfunctioning is directly linked to the pipes not working correctly. Flush every bathroom in the house several times to see if they are in good condition. If the water keeps running after the flush or is not draining properly, it might indicate problems with the flapper, seal, or gasket, or might be warning signs of more extensive issues.
Any discoloration around the toilet or damage in the surrounding areas should also not be ignored.
A leak in the toilet can cause structural damage to the floor, ceiling, or foundation below. If you notice any plumbing problems in the bathroom, you might want to take a pass on the house or ask the homeowner to fix them before signing the deal.
Expired Water Heaters
The average life of a water heater is 10 years. An old water heater that is being used past its expiration date is at the risk of exploding anytime, causing the whole house to flood.
Therefore, it is essential to examine if the water heater is working correctly and is not too old. Look for signs of corrosion, rust or lack of hot water. You can also check the faucets and showers to see how long it takes for the water to get warm. If it takes a long time to get warm, there might be a problem with the heater.
Outdated Sewage System
An outdated or damaged sewage system is a cause of great concern. Accumulation of dirt and debris over a long period can cause the drain to become clogged, allowing the sewage to back up in the house. To check the sewage system of the house, look for water leakage, seepage, or unpleasant smell around the drain, all of which are the warning signs.
If the sewage system has a mainline, let a professional plumber run a video camera through the line to inspect and analyze its condition.
Clogged Drains
Clogged drains are common problems in any house and should be fixed as soon as possible to prevent serious leaks and damage to the ducts or pipes. To check if the drain is not clogged, turn on the faucet and let it run for 2-3 minutes. If the water takes time to get drained and does not drain properly, you’re dealing with a clogged drain.
Poorly Installed Water Pipes
Poorly installed or broken water pipes can lead to severe damage. A home is a significant investment, and overlooking the condition of its water pipes would be a grave financial mistake. Make sure the house has good quality pipes installed, are big enough, and are adequately insulated.
These are some critical plumbing signs or red flags to look for when buying a house. If you’re unsure how to identify any of these problems, it is best to call a professional plumber.
Dunnrite Plumbing has been serving Edmonton for over a decade. We are a team of qualified professional plumbers who can inspect and provide solutions to your new home’s plumbing issues. Contact us for more details!