When you’re looking at buying a new home, it’s easy to get caught up on what you see on the surface. Then you start imagining your family in the home, where will that new couch go, and so on until you’re excitement clouds your judgment.

You should be excited, but you also want to make a smart decision. This new home Plumbing checklist is something you can bring with you as you look at potential homes to help you avoid major plumbing problems that will ruin your dream home.

Hot Water Heater

Ask where the hot water heater is and take the time to inspect it. Look for the age and warranty information that is on the hot water heater itself. The newer, the better, of course, but keep in mind that most hot water heaters have a life of 10-15 years. So if the heater is older, you may want to budget for replacing it or see if you can get a new hot water heater installation as part of your offer.

Water Leaks, and Stains

Check the pipes and Fixtures for any leaks. You’ll also want to look in the floor around appliances that need water, toilets, and sinks to see if there are any stains or warped flooring that could be due to water damage and leaking fixtures.

Look up at the ceiling for any brown spots that indicate water leaks. Keep in mind this will sometimes be painted over, but you should still check.

Water Pressure and Efficiency

Turn on all faucets, baths, and hoses to see how the water pressure is in the home. This is a deal breaker for some buyers, and not something that can always be corrected. In some cases, low water pressure indicates a serious problem you won’t want to deal with.

Also look at the fixtures themselves and read about their efficiency. Low-flow shower heads, for example, are more appealing to some buyers because they save a lot of water. Keep in mind that shower heads are easily replaced, though.

Check All Fixtures

While you are checking the plumbing fixtures for other things, be sure to notice the condition and the age of each one. If the toilet is olive green and looks like it’s been sitting there since the 70s, you might as well go ahead and budget to install a new one. Take the time to flush each toilet and see how it performs as this will warn you of any major clogs.

Keep the Number of a Reliable Plumber

Once you’re satisfied with the home’s plumbing, make an offer, and move in, you may still want to keep an eye on the plumbing until you learn the house and how the plumbing behaves. Keep the contact information for a reliable plumber handy so you know who to call if you have a plumbing emergency. We are here to help through any plumbing problems you may have after moving into a new home or later on. Contact us today for all your plumbing needs.

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