5 Common Plumbing Problems to Look for While House Hunting

A new home is a clean slate. While moving can be stressful it can also be an exciting opportunity. However, a strong foundation (like good plumbing) is more important than a walk-in closet. Common plumbing problems can lurk below the surface and cause major damage to your dream house. So, before you sign on the dotted line, make sure you get your hopefully-future-home checked out with these potential problem areas in mind.

1) The Main Sewer

If the toilets work fine most people believe that this means their sewage system is also fine, but that isn’t always the case.

A professional plumber can inspect the condition of a sewer with a camera. This can identify potential problem areas, such as clogging and foul odors. Early identification of these problems will keep them from getting worse. If the damage has already occurred it’s better to find out before you buy the place – this information might even change your mind.

Check out our sewer services page for help identifying and fixing these issues.

2) The Water Heater

On average, water heaters last about ten years. The longevity of the water heater depends on how it’s used and maintained during those years. The location of the tank is also important as it can easily damage the property, ruining the flooring or dry wall if it’s near a living space.

A licensed plumber can determine the age of the tank and make sure that it’s working properly and safely so that you can move in with no doubts. This will keep the house comfortable and prevent future flooding.

Flatley’s specializes in water heater repair, replacement, and maintenance. Learn more about water heaters here.

3) The Toilet

It’s easy to overlook something small like a leaky toilet or dismiss it as no big deal. On the contrary, when a leak at the base of a toilet goes untreated it rots the subfloor and trying to fix it yourself can make matters worse.

Check the condition of a toilet by examining the area around it. Look for discoloration or warping around the bottom of the toilet. Also, check the feel of the floor, see if it seems softer than the rest of the room. Make sure that the toilet itself doesn’t move – it should be stable and not rock around. If any of these signs are present it means that the leak is already causing deterioration.

4) The Pipes

It should come as no surprise that leaky pipes are problematic. When looking at a home look for warning signs like puddles, corrosion, or a literal warning pipe. Restricted water flow is a possible sign that the pipes are too small. Pipes should also be insulated, which will save money and keep potential problems at bay (like freezing in the winter time). Looking for these will help you determine the condition of the pipes before you purchase them along with the rest of the house.

If you’re plagued by pipe problems read more here to learn about their importance and what you can do.

5) The Drains

Partial or complete clogs are evident when water won’t go out of your toilet, sink, or tub. Before buying a home, run the water for a couple of minutes. It should flow down the drain easily and continuously. If not, a clog may be at fault.

Plungers aren’t always enough and drain cleaners damage the pipes when used too often (check out our blog post on why you should never use chemical drain cleaners in your home). Clogs that occur on a regular basis should be dealt with by professionals.

Already bought that perfect-seeming house only to discover a plethora of plumbing issues? Flatley’s Plumbing Express is here for you 24/7.