A thorough plumbing inspection is necessary when buying a new home to avoid unpleasant surprises later. Because plumbing systems are so complicated, small problems can quickly become big ones if they are not fixed.
At Delta Mechanical in Mesa, we help potential home buyers review and inspect the plumbing in their new homes. It’s important to hire a professional plumbing company that can help you learn more about your plumbing system and what may or may not need to be fixed before you finalize your purchase. Read on to learn more about what a professional plumbing inspection offers.
Check for Hidden Leaks
Hidden leaks can be a homeowner’s worst nightmare because they cause water damage which can be expensive to fix. During an inspection, the plumber will look for signs of water or stains under sinks, around toilets, and behind appliances.
Homeowners need to keep an eye on the water meter. If it moves even though no water is being used, there may be a leak somewhere in the system. Another good tip is to listen for sounds like water dripping or running in places where it shouldn’t be. Lastly, look at the ceilings and walls for paint that is bubbling or changing color. These are signs of hidden leaks. If you catch these problems early, you can avoid more serious damage and request the plumbing to be fixed before you buy the house.
Assess Water Pressure
Water pressure is an important part of any plumbing system because it affects everything from how comfortable the shower is to how well appliances work. Water pressure testing can help you figure out how healthy the plumbing is during a home tour. To begin, turn on several faucets around the house, such as those in the kitchen, bathrooms, and outside.
Pay attention to how strong the water flow is coming out of the faucet. Pressure that stays strong and steady is a good sign; pressure that changes or is weak could mean that there are problems like clogged pipes, sediment buildup, or even hidden leaks. Also, check the pressure at different times of the day because it can change based on how much water is being used in the area. If you want a more accurate reading, you could use a water pressure gauge, which you can connect to an outdoor faucet. The ideal water pressure is usually between 40 and 60 psi.
Inspect Sewer Lines
Problems with sewer lines are some of the most expensive plumbing issues to fix because they usually require a lot of digging to fix the lines. During a plumbing inspection, a camera check of the sewer lines can make all the difference because it gives a clear picture of how these important pipes are doing. A small camera is sent down the sewer line to look for any blockages, cracks, tree roots growing into the pipe, and other issues that might cause backups or failures.
A camera inspection gives accurate information about the state of the sewer lines, unlike other types of inspections that depend on guesswork. This is important for older homes with pipes that may have worn down over time. Early detection of problems can help you work out repairs with the seller. This step doesn’t cost much but could save you a lot of money in repair costs in the future.
Evaluate Pipe Material
The kind of pipe material used in a home’s plumbing can have a big effect on how long it lasts, how safe it is, and how much maintenance it needs. It’s important to know what kind of materials were used for both the water supply and drainage pipes during your plumbing inspection.
Copper, PVC, PEX, and older materials like galvanized steel and cast iron are all common. Copper and PEX are usually reliable and last a long time. PVC, on the other hand, is often used for drain lines because it doesn’t rust. Galvanized steel and cast iron are more likely to rust and corrode, which can cause leaks and problems with the water quality. By looking at the pipe materials, you can figure out how likely it is that problems will happen in the future and how much it might cost to replace old or broken pipes.
Test for Water Quality
The health and safety of your family depend on the quality of the water you drink. When a plumber does an inspection, testing the water quality can show if there are any contaminants, like lead, bacteria, or other harmful substances. Grab some water samples from different faucets around the house, including both hot and cold water. You can send these samples to a lab for a full analysis, or you can use home testing kits to get results right away.
Also, pay attention to how the water looks, smells, and tastes. Cloudiness, strange smells, or metallic tastes could be signs of trouble. Also, check the water for hardness. Water with a lot of minerals can cause scale to build up in pipes and appliances, which shortens their life.
Examine Fixtures and Faucets
During home inspections, fixtures and faucets are often forgotten, but they are very important to how well your plumbing system works and looks. During a plumbing inspection, make sure you look closely at all the fixtures and faucets, like the toilets, sinks, and showers. Look for signs of wear and tear, including rust, corrosion, or mineral deposits. These can be signs of problems with the water quality or the material of the pipes. Make sure that water flows smoothly through each faucet and look for leaks around the handles and base.
In the bathroom, make sure the toilet flushes properly and look for leaks around the base. Leaks could mean that there is a problem with the wax seal or the plumbing below the seal. Don’t forget to check the showerhead to make sure the water pressure and flow are consistent.
Look at the Water Heater
One of the most important parts of your home’s plumbing system is the water heater, which heats water for bathing, cooking, and cleaning. During a plumbing inspection, it is important to look at the water heater and see how well it works. First, find out how age of the water heater. Then, look to see if there is rust, corrosion, or leaks. Most water heaters last between eight and 12 years, so if it’s older, it may be time to get a new one.
You should also check the temperature settings and make sure the thermostat is set between 120- and 140-degrees Fahrenheit to avoid burning yourself. If you can, ask the current owner for records of maintenance, like how often the unit has been flushed to get rid of sediment buildup. Keeping your water heater in good shape will not only make sure you always have hot water but will also help you avoid having to pay for expensive repairs or replacements in the future.
Review Prior Plumbing Work
During your plumbing inspection, it’s important to spot any DIY repairs that may not meet professional standards. Look for pipe materials that don’t go together. This can cause corrosion or leaks. Galvanic corrosion can happen when copper and galvanized steel pipes are joined together without the right dielectric unions. If you see sloppy soldering or a lot of plumber’s tape on the joints and connections, it could mean that the work wasn’t done by a professional. Pay close attention to areas that have just been patched up. You should also be careful with temporary fixes like rubber hose clamps or seals that aren’t meant to last.
Contact Us Today
Do you need a plumbing service for a new home in Mesa? We have skilled plumbers who can help. We also provide boiler, drain, gas line, kitchen, bathroom, leak detection, and water heater services. Contact Delta Mechanical today.
