Anytime you purchase a new house, it’s important to perform your own inspections before signing on the dotted line. By carefully checking the main systems of any house, you can save yourself countless hours and headaches down the road.
Here’s are some great tips about how to check the plumbing of any home before you buy it:
* Find where the water meter is and determine if the shut off valve is working. If the water comes from a well the shut off valve should be inside the house.
* Check the size of the water pipes in and around the house. In order to have adequate water pressure when there are a few water lines open in the house there should be a three quarter of an inch to 1-inch line directly from the main water source. Inside the house the diameter of the pipes is generally a half-inch in diameter.
* Determine if the plumbing has any lead pipes. Typically homes that were constructed before 1986 tend to have plumbing that is lead or galvanized. This is not always the case though as newer homes can have a lead pipe leading to the water meter.
* Be sure the plumbing has protection for freezing weather. The protection can be things such as wrapped pipes and vents, which will close off in the winter when the weather gets extremely cold. If the home uses well water the well should be protected from freezing weather as well.
* Inspect the hot water heater. You should check the water heater’s capacity, location, and how old it is. Some areas in the home can have high levels of mineral deposits that are in the water that can settle at the bottom of the water heater. When these deposits build up in the water heater tank there will be less room for hot water. If you check the water heater and there is a large build up of deposits you may want to ask for a new water heater.
* Find out what type of sewer system the house uses. If the house uses a septic tank find out where it is located, the capacity of the tank, and where the lateral lines are located.* Check all the faucets around the house and make sure they do not drip. This
can seem like a minor thing but a dripping faucet can end up costing you a lot of money on the long run.
* Go to all the bathrooms and flush all the toilets. Make sure they empty and fill correctly.Source: www.handyhouseholdhints.com
So, take the time to check all these things BEFORE you buy and you’ll thank yourself after you’re enjoying your new home!
