Homeowners exercise a lot of care and attention to detail when they are looking for a new home. From checking the structure of the house to looking over all the value additions that have been done over time, there are a lot of things that are taken into perspective. However, despite this attention to detail homeowners tend to mess up when it comes to looking over the plumbing of a house. In their quest for looking at all that is visible to the eye these potential buyers neglect the impact of plumbing in Fort Worth, TX.
The plumbing of a house can have a direct impact on its overall value. Since plumbing plays a really important role in the overall daily activity within the house, neglect on this side can be detrimental as you can be host to a series of serious issues in the future. Some of the issues in plumbing that you should check while buying a home are:
Aging Water Heater
The water heater in a home can often be subject to much depreciation. The water heater can be aging rapidly and may well be on the verge of collapse when you buy the house. Interestingly, most homeowners think that a water heater is cheap and may not cost them much even if they decide to change it in the future. This perception is based on nothing but the truth as water heaters aren’t really cheap to replace. A good water heater can cost you anything from $1,000 to $2,000 in the market. Thus, it is advised that you really take into consideration the condition of the water tank before you purchase a home.
A water heater can usually last about roughly 10 years, so you can ask the homeowner about the years that the water heater has been in use. A professional plumber can inspect the plumbing in Fort Worth, TX and let you know the lifetime of the water heater through the serial number and the mode. Besides the technical aspects that can only be understood by a professional, you can also gauge the depreciation of a water heater by dampness, lack of hot water and corrosion on the tank. If all these signs are neglected and ignored by the homeowner, the bottom of the water heater will eventually give way and might cause flooding in the house. The location of the water heater is also important, as you need to know the damages that can be caused to the structure if there is a leak or any other issue.
Outdated Sewerage System
Another thing you should consider while examining the plumbing in Fort Worth, TX is the type of sewage system that is in place within the home. Usually sewers exist at the lowest point in the structure of the house. If it is a county system, the sewage will run to the city main. If it is septic, the waste will be running into a field or tank. If there is a septic tank located in the house, assess it for any seepages, water or weird smells; all of these signs can signal towards a problem in the system.
If there is a main line connected to the sewage system, you can call for a professional plumber for a video inspection. Sewage lines can often suffer or be damaged because of tree roots or other issues.
Leaky Toilets
If a toilet in a home you are looking for is running constantly, the problem could lie in the flapper or chain. Replacing these items can fix the problem, but if they don’t there might be a bigger issue at hand. A toilet that is not draining properly, can lead to leaks and other cumulative issues.
Considering the problems that can arise if the damages within a toilet are not addressed in a thorough manner, you would like to have the problem solved by the current homeowner before you move in. You can find out problems in a toilet by studying the adjoining areas for any signs. Nearby discoloration is one of the most prominent sign of a leaky toilet. If the bowl wiggles in its place or the floor nearby feels soft then you can ask the homeowner the reasons behind this.
Clogged Drains
Clogged drains are a common problem in the plumbing for many houses. Clogging in the drains can be caused because of toiletry deposits, loose hair and materials like paper towels to name a few. Clogged drains can often lead to a serious problem when they are overlooked or neglected by the homeowner.
You would really want to check this problem and get it handled in time, because the slightest neglect in this process can lead to a minor accumulation of dirty water in your first day at the house. To check a drain for clogs or any other hindrances, open the faucet and let it run for a good two to three minutes. The water should be draining fast throughout the duration without causing any distinct anomaly. Make sure the disposal system in the kitchen is also running smoothly to be on the safe side.
Poorly Installed Water Pipes
Leaky pipes can be a cause of serious water damage. Assessing the condition of the pipes within a home’s plumbing in Fort Worth, TX can often be a bit confusing for you, so it is advised that you seek the help of a professional plumber in this regard.
The plumber you seek help from will carefully study the whole plumbing structure and assess the pipes to reach a consensus on their condition. Even features such as insulation, which are often ignored, may be covered and assessed by a plumber who would then see what can be done to address this issue.
Buying a home is probably one of the biggest investments that you will be making in your life, thus checking its plumbing is something that you should ensure by having a professional plumber by your side. You can get an expert plumber in Fort Worth, TX by getting in touch with Benjamin Franklin Plumbing.