When buying a new home, it’s essential that you inspect the plumbing before you sign the papers. Problems with pipes or drains are not always easy to spot and repairing them can cost a lot of money. Below, this residential plumber in Mettawa, Illinois is going to highlight some important questions to ask when you’re ready to buy a home.
The age and material of the pipes can tell you a lot about what to expect. In many older homes, you may still find pipes made of materials like galvanized steel or polybutylene. These kinds of pipes can rust or crack over time. If the pipes are near the end of their lifespan, you might have to replace them sooner than you think and that can cost thousands of dollars.
You can ask the seller (or your real estate agent) when the plumbing was last updated. If they have no answer, you should ask a qualified residential plumber in Mettawa, Illinois to take a closer look. They can tell you what type of pipes the home has and how long they are likely to last.
Ask the seller when the sewer line was last inspected or cleaned. If they don’t know, that can be a red flag. A broken sewer line can cause slow drains or even sewage flooding inside the house. Tree roots can also grow into the pipe and cause blockages.
Fixing a sewer line can be expensive. So, make sure to ask about it before you buy. If you don’t get a definite answer, it is worth paying for a sewer camera inspection.
Even small water leaks can cause mold growth, wood damage and higher water bills. So, when you tour the house, look for water stains on the walls or ceilings or a musty smell.
Most sellers will tell you if there were leaks in the past, but it never hurts to ask them directly. If you are worried, a plumber can help you check the home more thoroughly.
Most standard water heaters last around 8 to 12 years while tankless ones can last up to 20 years. If the water heater in your home looks rusty or is inefficient, you might need to replace it soon. That is an expense you may want to plan for.
If the house you are looking at has a basement, it should have a sump pump. Without one, a sudden storm or a high water table could easily lead to a flooded basement.
Ask the seller if the sump pump works, how old it is and when it was last serviced. You can also ask if it has a backup battery. A power outage during a storm could stop the pump and you could be dealing with a wet basement without a backup.
As you walk through the house, turn on some faucets and flush the toilet. The water should come out fast and steady. If the pressure is very low, it may indicate that the pipes are clogged or leaking. There could also be a problem with the main water supply.
Your local plumber can test the water pressure and diagnose any problems.
If you are getting mixed answers from the seller or not feeling confident about the plumbing in the home, it’s time to call a professional residential plumber in Mettawa, Illinois. A licensed plumber can inspect the plumbing, point out any problems and give you a clear idea of how much they might cost to fix.
Paying a few hundred dollars for an inspection is a small price to pay compared to the cost of replacing old pipes or fixing a broken sewer line.
If you are thinking about buying a new home and want to make sure the plumbing is in good condition, do not hesitate to contact John J. Cahill Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning. As the top-rated residential plumber in Mettawa, Illinois, we have years of experience helping homebuyers spot problems early and protect their investment. Contact us anytime at 847-864-5225 for a free estimate.