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Common Plumbing Problems to Look For Before Purchasing a Home

If you are in the market for a new house, it can be easy to get caught up in all the lovely design features a home has to offer such as hardwood floors, granite countertops, etc. What might be less obvious upon the first inspection are plumbing problems that could end up causing you some headaches not to mention hefty repair bills if you don’t address them. Most people when they purchase a home – very wisely – make their offer contingent upon a successful home inspection. But did you know, there are some plumbing issues that you can look for yourself when you are considering a potential home?

In this article, we will go through some of the main plumbing items that you should inspect in a home that you are considering buying.

1) Leaky toilets

Flush each of the toilets in a potential home and check for signs of leaking. When you flush the toilet, do you see any water at the base of the toilet? Or does the floor around the toilet feel soft? Leaking toilets can damage the floor underneath. You should also listen as the toilet flushes. If it sounds like the water is continuously running, then it could be a sign that the flapper or chain needs to be replaced.

2) Brown stains on the ceiling

In each room you enter, look up and inspect the ceiling for brown stains. These stains are caused by water and can be a sign of either leaking pipes or a leaking roof.

3) An old water heater

When you are visiting a potential home, be sure to ask the realtor when the water heater was last replaced. On average, water heaters have a lifespan of about ten years, and if it is close to that time and you purchase the home, you may have to spend a few thousand dollars getting a new one.

4) Slow drainage

When you are touring a potential new home, be sure not only to flush the toilets but also turn on faucets of sinks and bathtubs and observe whether water is draining as quickly as it should. Slow drainage could be an indication of clogs or other problems that you will have to address if you take ownership of the home.

Of course, there are also a number of plumbing issues that should be checked for that you cannot see with the naked eye and will require the help of a professional plumber. These include inspecting to see the sewer line is clear as well as determining the condition of the pipes.

Remember, a home is a big purchase, and you deserve to be fully informed of any potential plumbing problems before you buy. If you would like more information on what to look for or if you would like the assistance of a professional plumber to help you assess a home, contact McKenna Plumbing today.