Blog

Photo By MF3d at istock

When buying a home, it’s crucial to check the entire property for any problems, not just the title or other real-estate stuff. We know that you’re excited to buy your new home, but before signing that contract, ensure that you hire a licensed and reliable plumber in Dalworthington, TX, to help you check the home’s plumbing system.

Poor plumbing is a major deal-breaker. No one wants to move into a new home and then find that the toilet doesn’t flush or the water pressure is too high that it may strain the pipes. Unfortunately, some agents fail or choose not to disclose important plumbing information, which is why you need to get professional help. With the help of a professional, you won’t have to worry about horror stories that can lead to a major plumbing emergency. Remember, plumbing repairs can be costly, but you can avoid this so long as you take your time buying a new home and ensuring everything is perfect, especially the plumbing.

Tips for potential home buyers:

Check the Water Flow and Water Quality

The first thing you need to do is turn on the tap. Let the water flow for a few seconds before turning it off. Next, pour water into a clear glass and observe it for any unusual color or odor. You’ll instantly know if there is something wrong with the plumbing by doing this simple test. You don’t even need to call a professional in your area to perform this test. Call a plumber only when there are problems with the plumbing and how severe it is.

If the water is clear and free from any impurities, you can move on to the next step. However, if it’s brownish or has sediment in it, this can only mean that there is a problem with the municipal water supply or the pipes are old and worn out. Call a professional for a proper inspection. When the pipes are damaged, the only way to fix them is to get them replaced. You also need to check that the pipes are not cracked as it might bring dirt with them.

Have you checked the odor? Smelling chlorine or bleach in the water is acceptable, but it shouldn’t have any offensive or strong odor. Otherwise, call a plumber for a proper inspection of the water. If the water smells like a rotten egg, then this is a red flag. There might be problems with the sewer pipes, or the vents are damaged. This can translate to costly repairs when not fixed immediately.

Water Flow

How is the flow of water? If it’s steady, then there’s nothing to worry about. When the pipes break or wear out, it can usually lead to having an intermittent flow of water. Apart from the flow, check for the water pressure too. Call a plumber in Dalworthington, TX, if the water pressure is either slow or very high. High water pressure can strain pipes and may lead to bursting. It’s not good to have slow water pressure either. A plumber should help you diagnose the problem and see if correcting it won’t cost a lot to you. Try speaking with the owner if there are issues with the plumbing to either adjust the price or repair it for you.

Check for Noises in the Pipes

When turning on the tap, pay close attention if any weird sounds are coming from the pipes. For example, you need to listen if there is bubbling or gurgling sounds coming from the toilet, dishwasher, or sink. You need to also pay close attention if there are other noises after turning off the faucet. Do you hear banging or clanking sounds coming from the pipes? This could indicate that there might be a clog or leak somewhere in the plumbing. Contact a professional right away for further investigation.

Check the Toilets

Some plumbing problems are pretty obvious while others are hidden, and sometimes only plumbers can determine if there are leaks or other issues with the plumbing. One of the things you need to check is the toilet. Try to sit on it and observe if it’s shaky or unstable or something may not be right. If there are issues, the problem may be resolved by retightening the bolts. If it’s still wobbling although firmly fastened, then there is a bigger problem. Call a plumber in Dalworthington, TX, so that they can check this for you.

You can also check for toilet leaks by doing a food coloring test. Try to pour a few drops of food coloring into the toilet’s tank, and then observe the water in the toilet bowl. If the water changes colors, then there is a leak. Call a professional so that they can check this for you.

Check for Water Leaks

This is a crucial step, and you need to take your time. If possible, get help from a professional in Dalworthington, TX.

How to check for leaks?

You need to look for any signs of leaks, and we’re not just talking about puddles of water found in the water heater or dishwasher. Check for any wet spots, discolored areas, dampness, and mold. Look for any presence of moisture or water stains. When the wallpapers are peeling, there might be a leak in the walls. If you suspect there might be a leak somewhere in the plumbing, then don’t hesitate to contact a plumber for a proper inspection.

Check the Tiles

Want to go the extra mile? Then make sure that you examine the tiling work too. If there are loose tiles or any moisture seeping into the tiles, this might be another sign of water leakage, which could indicate another plumbing problem. Contact a professional plumber in Dalworthington, TX, right away so they can thoroughly check this for you.

Check the Drains

One of the things you shouldn’t miss is the drains, and you need to check every one of them. If they have slow drains, consider speaking with the owner to see if they could contact their plumber to do professional drain cleaning. It will help you determine if there are issues with the pipes that need to be addressed. It would be best to know what’s causing the slow drains. And keep in mind that slow drains are usually the first sign of a major drain clog.

You may also ask the homeowner if they could provide you with any plumbing maintenance by licensed plumbers. This will help you determine if the homeowners care about their plumbing. Ask them to show you receipts of previous plumbing maintenance or any repairs they did.

Check the Outdoor Plumbing

It’s not enough to inspect the indoor plumbing; it’s also essential to check the outdoor plumbing. Check the yard or the lawn for any puddles of water. If there’s no rain and you see puddles of water in the yard, there could be a leak somewhere in the plumbing.

When it’s almost winter, you may also want to check if the homeowners are insulating their pipes. If not, ask them if they could insulate them for you.

Get a Copy of the Drainage Diagram

If you’re serious about buying this home, we suggest that you request a copy of the drainage diagram as this shows you where the pipes are located in the house. Make sure that it’s updated. You can show this to a plumber especially when you plan to make renovations in the near future. Remember, how the pipes are placed can also affect your entire plumbing system, so run this over with your plumbing before making any major decision.

Check the Roof

Do you know that plumbing problems can also cause water to seep into the ceiling? When water sits in the gutters, this can lead to structural damage in your home. So make sure to look out for any roof plumbing issues and rust spots. If you suspect there might be a problem, ensure that you talk this over with a licensed plumber.

Check for the Insulation

You also need to check if the water supply lines are properly insulated or within insulated walls, as frozen water can rupture the pipes. They need to be protected, especially when they’re exposed. Apart from the pipes, check if the water heater tank is also insulated.

What to Look for in Buying a Home

Although this may not be an issue, you may want to consider checking the included appliances or fixtures if you’re concerned about saving money on your utility bills. For example, dual flush toilets are designed to use less water for flushing, saving you hundreds of gallons of water every month. If you’re concerned about cleanliness, you may want to check if they have touchless faucets.

If they have a water heater tank, ask how old the water heater is and if it’s properly maintained. Remember that an inefficient water heater can give you higher energy bills, along with other inefficient appliances. When the appliances are old, consider asking the owner to replace them or adjust the price of the home.

Bathroom

Did they install low-flow showers? Check the bathtub too and whether or not it’s too big for your home. If possible, you need to check everything else and ask for assistance from a licensed plumber in Dalworthington, TX. Remember that bathroom remodels may cost you thousands of dollars — which is why you need to make sure that you like the bathroom of your new home and it doesn’t have any issues with the plumbing.

Basement

If your future home has a basement, you may want to check if it has damp areas and check for the basement’s moisture levels. Do they have a sump pump? A sump pump prevents flooding in the basement. Ask them to install one if they don’t have any.

Hard Water

You may also want to consider checking for the hard water levels in your new home. A high concentration of hard water may not be ideal – you may need to consider installing a water softener. It’s also recommended to flush out the sediment buildup in your water heater more than once a year if there is a high concentration of hard water in the area. Call a licensed plumber to help you with this.

Questions to ask homeowners:

When they have a water heater tank, you may want to know if it’s up to code, especially when you’re buying an old home. Ask them for the age of the pipes and what they’re made of. Galvanized pipes are not ideal, and they should be replaced after 30 years. If they can’t provide you with this information, consider contacting a plumber for assistance.

Don’t also forget to check the shut-off valves and make sure they’re working correctly. If possible, test it. You may also want to ask them if they have a leak detection system as that can help you prevent flooding and issues associated with water damage.

Contact Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Fort Worth

Are you planning to buy a new home soon? We suggest that you contact one of our plumbers in Dalworthington, TX, for assistance. We can help you thoroughly check your future home’s plumbing system and check for any issues with the plumbing. You can rely on our plumbers as we are licensed and highly experienced. Our plumbers can help you find out any issues with the plumbing and provide you with permanent solutions to correct them.

We have been helping out homeowners and businesses for several years. Choose Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, and we’ll make sure you’re completely delighted with the service we provide. Contact us today for an appointment.