Thinking about buying a home?
While buying a home can be a fun and enjoyable experience, there are a few things to inspect before making any purchase. Plumbing is one of the most important and can turn into an expensive fix for the new homeowner caught off-guard. A plumbing inspection is an affordable option to get this checked out before any decisions are made.
It is always best to search for a reliable and professional plumber to inspect the pipes of any home. Inspections should thereafter be done on a yearly basis. The areas of focus would be the kitchen and bathroom, but be sure to have the entire house inspected from floor to ceiling.
Starting at the ceiling will help identify any leaks from upper-story bathrooms or pipes running through the ceiling. Be sure to check the walls for any spots and watch out for any musty smells. Some water damage may not be visible but is easily detected by its distinct odor.
Locate the crawlspace–if there is one–and look for any areas where a pipe may have been cracked or broken. Keep an eye out for any standing water and listen for any dripping. Leaks can be found a number of ways by using the eyes, ears, and nose. To finish off, locate the sump pump and drainage pipe in the basement or crawlspace and be sure it is in working order. Major flooding could occur with a faulty sump pump.
Most importantly is the kitchen and bathroom due to the large volume of pipes. Corrosion needs to be taken into account as they are signs of leaking. Supply valves should be inspected to ensure they are able to be turned off and on. Inspect around the sink, refrigerator, dishwasher, bathtubs, and toilets for any leaks. Cracked or warped flooring around any of these are sure signs of a leak.
Again, a licensed plumber should complete the inspection so there are no areas missed or overlooked. While it may take some additional funds to have the house inspected, it is well worth it. This will help in the decision making in buying a new home and improve its condition and functionality.
Looking for a reliable domestic plumber in the North Shore area? Call us at 02 9451-1863 and get started today!
