If you’re looking to purchase a new home, be on the lookout for these potential plumbing problems.
House hunting is a stressful process, especially in a sellers’ market. Sometimes it feels like you barely have a chance to notice a house is on the market before someone else has made an offer. But this doesn’t mean you should rush, and you should certainly never buy a house without thoroughly checking it out first. As you tour the house, keep an eye out for these signs of potential plumbing problems, so that you don’t end up buying a plumbing money pit.
Slow Drains
Slow drainage is almost always a sign of a big issue somewhere in the plumbing system. When you’re on the tour, try each of the faucets and make note of how long it takes to drain, this includes sinks, tubs, and showers. If it seems to be taking longer than it should, there might be a serious clog. This doesn’t have to be a deal breaker on the house, but it is something you may want to have professionally checked before committing to the purchase. It could be a simple as a clogged drain or as complex and expensive as a tree root in a sewer line – a professional will be able to tell.
Brown Ceilings
As you tour the house, look at the ceilings. If you see any brown stains, this is likely the result of water damage. The most common causes of these stains are leaky pipes or a leaky roof. Don’t be afraid to ask about them. It could be that there was a leaky pipe that the homeowner had repaired, that the tub upstair overflowed once and caused the stain, or it might be a roof leak that could become a huge issue once the home is yours. You won’t ever know unless you ask.
Leaking Pipes
When you’re looking at the house, you should also be inspecting the house. You are not a visitor to a museum, you’re a potential buyer for the biggest investment you’ve ever made. Look under the sinks and go down into the basement to inspect as much of the plumbing as you can see. Turn on the water and check for drips and leaks as it is running and as it is draining. Look for any evidence of wetness or puddles, as well. All of this could be sings of leaking pipes, which will end up costing you money – first in the form of higher water bills for the wasted water, and second in the form of clean-up to get rid of the mold and water damage that will result.
Questions? Call B&D Plumbing Today!
If you have any questions about your bathroom plumbing, the experts at B&D Plumbing are here to help you! We have been servicing the Washington DC metropolitan area including Maryland and Northern Virginia. Give us a call at 310-595-1141 to ask us any questions. Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest for tips, tricks, and to see what we have been up to.