Plumbing problems are among the most difficult maintenance issues in Westmont homes. Apart from the high cost of fixing them, they can cause massive structural damage to your home. This is in addition to the fact that these problems are not always easy to detect, notes Keyrenter South Florida.
That is why when buying a new home in the Westmont, IL area, you want to check the plumbing system before finalizing the transaction. Failing to take this step can result in chronic and expensive plumbing emergencies in your new home.
Even if you have a home inspection scheduled, you still need a plumbing inspection. That’s because a home inspection only focuses on the accessible systems and structures of the home. It does not cover the pipes inside the walls, floor, and ceilings of the building.
How to check the plumbing before buying a home
Plumbing inspections can be done on two levels: superficial checks that you can do yourself, and professional checks by a qualified plumber in Westmont. There are two categories of checks that you must do: visual inspections and functional checks.
Visual inspections
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Check for leaks and water stains
Look for stains in the usual places where leaks can occur on a property: under sinks, bathtubs, and toilets. Showerheads, faucets, water heaters, and appliances may also have leaks. While checking for leaks, look out for watermarks on walls, flooring, and ceilings, as well as bubbly or peeling wallpaper.
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Check for mold
The presence of mold in a home often coincides with hidden water leaks in the house. Common locations where you might find mold include inside walls, beneath flooring, under bathroom and kitchen sinks, and in basements, crawl spaces, and attics. A musty odor is a common giveaway of the presence of mold.
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Check exposed pipes
Look for visible signs of corrosion, rust, and physical damage in the exposed pipes inside and around the house. Check for the presence of outdated pipe materials such as lead and galvanized steel. Also, inspect the plumbing for faulty connections and signs of shoddy workmanship. The presence of outdated pipe materials is a bad sign due to the enormous cost of repiping a home.
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Plumbing fixture checks
Examine the base and handle of faucets for signs of leakage. Also check showerheads. In the toilet, look for signs of wear in the toilet bowl. Flush it and check the base for leaks or a worn-out wax ring seal. Make sure the toilet is not wobbly. Inspect the dishwasher and washing machine hoses and connections for signs of leaks or damage.
Functional Tests
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Do a water meter test
To know if there are hidden leaks in the home, turn all faucets off and take the reading on the water meter counter. Wait 5-10 minutes and check the water meter again. If the reading on the counter has changed, there is a hidden leak in the home. A professional Westmont plumber can help you determine if the leak is inside or outside the home.
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Check the water pressure
To check if there is sufficient water pressure, run one or two faucets and the shower at the same time. If the flow rate falls when you do this but increases when you turn one of the fixtures off, the home has a problem with low water pressure. Water pressure issues are often caused by leaky and heavily corroded pipes.
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Check the water heater and hot water
Ask about the age of the water heater and inspect for signs of rust and corrosion in the appliance. Check the connecting pipes for signs of corrosion and leakage. Test the water temperature to ensure it is hot enough and that hot and cold water work on all fixtures and appliances.
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Check the drains and sewer line
Run all faucets and showers to see if the drains are slow. Inspect for strange sounds and bad odors when flushing the toilet. If there are trees near the sewer line, you may be looking at potential issues with tree root invasion of the sewer line. For homes on a septic system, check the location and condition of the tank and leach field.
Professional assessment
Before finalizing the purchase of the home, get a licensed plumber for a comprehensive check of the entire plumbing system. This check is an in-depth inspection that includes all of the above checks, as well as other checks that are beyond your ability.
Some of the checks that a professional plumber will do include:
- A hydrostatic pressure test to find hidden water leaks
- A smoke test to check for improper connections in the drainage system
- A camera inspection to check the physical condition of the sewer line
Based on the inspection result provided by the plumber, you can renegotiate the selling price of the home, walk away, or proceed with the purchase.
Do not buy your home without completing a professional plumbing inspection. It is not a good idea. Doing a professional plumbing test will not cost you more money, but the consequences of overlooking this one step can run into tens of thousands of dollars.
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