Plumbing Problems: What Homebuyers Should Look For

Most homebuyers will obtain a basic building inspection and pest control inspection when evaluating a home prior to purchase. Such inspections may even be required by a lender such as a bank or a mortgage company before granting a loan. According to the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), the following items are covered in a typical home inspection: heating and central air conditioning system, interior plumbing, electrical systems, roof, attic and insulation; walls, ceilings, floors, windows, doors, foundation, basement and basic structural components. And while interior plumbing installation is an included item on the list, a simple basic inspection of interior plumbing typically neglects most home plumbing components that can contain hidden problems that can lead to an expensive unforeseen plumbing repair.

Supply Piping

Any inspection of plumbing pipes should involve a visual inspection of all exposed pipes and plumbing components to locate any obvious leaks, corrosion, clogs, or damage. Look also for any standing water in yards between the water meter and the home as these can possibly indicate underground water pipe leakage. Examine all exterior and exposed pipes for proper pipe insulation to avoid frozen pipes in winter. Water heater supply and exit piping should also be insulated to minimize heat loss, increase energy efficiency, and to reduce fuel cost and save on your gas or electric bill. An advanced inspection of supply piping can utilize intra-line video cameras to inspect all interior portions of the lines to locate any hidden problems. Such high-tech methods can also pinpoint the exact location of needed repairs to avoid unnecessary damage to your house or yard.

Water Quality

If the home is supplied by a water well, testing is the only way to evaluate the water supply since many hazardous contaminants and carcinogens such as arsenic are colorless and have no taste. If a private or public utility supplies the home's water, independent testing is still advised. Utility-supplied water can travel through old pipes for several days before reaching the house, and the home's interior plumbing and fixtures can also impact the final water quality. A comprehensive quality assessment of a home's water supply should provide you with a complete report detailing the water's precise contaminant profile. This will allow you to predict how drinking and bathing in the water could possibly affect your health over time.

Water Pressure

A home's water supply should be tested to ensure that water pressure is neither too high nor too low. Water supply pressure that is too high can be a constant burden on all of the home's fixtures, plumbing lines, and any water supplied appliances such as ice makers and dishwashers. Any appliances with flexible supply hoses such as washing machines run the added risk of line failure with a flooded home being the end result. Too little or constant low water pressure makes many tasks such as showers less than satisfactory, bathtubs can be slow to fill, and low water pressure can result in increased sediment inside the plumbing lines. Having water pressure that is too high can be addressed with pressure regulators. Unless obstructions are found to be present in the supply lines, water pressure that is too low must be addressed at its source, such as the local water utility.

Drain System

Verify that all of the home's drains are open and free-flowing by opening any faucets all the way while watching to ensure that the water drains quickly and completely. Flush each toilet in the home several times, again watching to make sure there is no backup or delay. An advanced inspection of drainage piping can use intra-line video cameras to inspect all interior portions of the drainage lines to locate any clogs or corrosion. If any line seems not to be draining properly and no clogs are present, the system's vent pipes could be blocked causing the problem. Vent pipes can be obstructed due to a variety of causes such as bird, insect, or rodent nests or other debris such as trash, leaves, and twigs.

Sewer Lines & Septic System

A sewer system check can be one of the most important pre-purchase plumbing inspections, especially when buying an older home. If the system is found to be faulty or in need of replacement, the cost can end up being a significant percentage of the home's purchase price. A common problem is tree roots growing into the sewer lines. Even if few or no large trees are present, roots can often reach into the system from trees on adjacent properties. A qualified plumber can use a camera to inspect the lines and identify any problems present. If the home relies on a septic system to collect, treat, and dispose of the solids and wastewater from the home, the system should have been expected yearly in the past, but any prospective home purchaser should require either proof of recent inspection or should require that a new septic system inspection be done prior to purchase.

Stormwater Drainage

A home's stormwater drainage system is designed to protect the property from rainwater flooding and avoid the expensive damage that can occur with heavy rains or extended periods of wet weather. Any buildup of water around the home's foundation can cause erosion and foundation damage. Look around the house for any areas of standing water of areas that indicate that previous standing water was present in the past.

Water Heaters

Regardless of whether it's gas or electric, a complete water heater inspection is essential to ensure not only the proper functioning of the system but also to assess its remaining life expectancy and to verify the proper installation and operation of all safety components. You should also determine if the tank size is sufficient for the size of the home it serves and for the number of residents who will be relying on it for all of their hot water needs. For safety, always verify the presence of and the proper functioning of the water heater's temperature pressure relief valve.

Home Fixtures

Check all home plumbing fixtures for proper operation. All faucet handles should be firmly attached and turn freely. Any continued dripping is an indication of the need for valve repair or for washer or valve seat replacement. Don't forget to check exterior faucets as well. Even small continuous drips can raise a water bill noticeably and cost you money each month. Inspect all sinks, tubs, showers, and toilets for visible damage or cracks. Damaged sinks or tubs will usually need replacement. Cracks in tile can often be repaired. Flush toilets to verify complete flushing. Toilet tanks should refill quickly and not continue to run. Look under kitchen and bathroom sinks for any signs of leaks, water damage, or mold.

Whether a house you may be considering for purchase is an existing older home or brand-new construction, both hidden and unseen plumbing issues can still be present. And while it's possible for the average prospective home buyer to locate and identify some of the more obvious plumbing problems like visible water leaks that may be present, it's still always a good idea to request the services of a licensed plumber and qualified plumbing professional like American Plumbing Company in Tyler for a thorough plumbing inspection and to obtain a detailed report of all findings. East Texas is not immune to the wide variety of typical plumbing problems seen across the nation, and an upfront complete analysis of all system components can often help avoid many potential future problems and will help save you money.