When searching homes for sale in Gainesville, you want the comfort of knowing the property you choose comes with limited baggage. Hiring a certified home inspector is invaluable for acquiring a thorough assessment of a property. However, home inspectors often forego in-depth plumbing assessments which can be a problem as these issues can later manifest into plumbing disasters if not promptly resolved. The residential plumbers with Quality Plumbing of Gainesville Inc. share these six plumbing inspection tips to help home buyers properly assess a property’s plumbing system before they make an offer.
Look Out For Lead Pipes
The first thing home buyers should inquire about is the pipe material used in a home’s plumbing system. Older homes often have galvanized pipes or lead pipes, which are environmental health hazards. The most common way to find lead pipes is by looking for the service line coming in from the exterior of a home. Lightly scrape the dark matte gray-colored pipes. If the metal is soft and appears shiny and silvery underneath, the pipes are likely made of lead. Because lead is a hazardous material, homes with this material will likely require repiping, which can be extremely expensive and time-consuming. For more information on assessing pipes, contact us today.
Locate The Water Meter
The next thing homeowners should inspect is the property’s water meter and main shutoff valve. Water meters are usually located around the home’s perimeter, often streetside. Shutting off a home’s main water supply is required for plumbing repairs, time spent away from the home, and leak inspections. Test the shutoff valve to ensure it is in working order. If water continues to run after shutting off the main water valve, the valve is faulty and requires a plumbing repair. Learn how to find your water main shut-off valve.
Check For Water Damage
Check each faucet in the home as well as the toilets to make sure they are in working condition. Inspect flooring around each appliance for signs of new and old water damage. The presence of old water damage can indicate a recurring plumbing problem. Even if plumbing leaks have since been fixed, be sure to check for rot or bubbling in floorboards, ceilings, and walls. These can indicate a leak that plumbers in Gainesville will have to repair.
Inspect The Water Heater
A functioning water heater is essential to providing hot water in a home. The location of a water heater location is important, as units located in small crawl spaces are hard to reach for regular maintenance. The age of a water heater is another important consideration. While water heaters can last for more than a decade with regular maintenance, old water heaters that haven’t had professional tune-ups likely need to be replaced. For professional water heater inspections, contact Quality Plumbing of Gainesville Inc. today!
Flush The Toilet In Each Bathroom
Blockages in a plumbing system can indicate serious issues. Flush every toilet to make sure they empty and refill without any problems. Listen to the tank as it refills for any unusual noises. Inspect the flooring around each toilet’s base for any signs of new or old water damage. Quality Plumbing of Gainesville Inc. has the knowledge and experience required to efficiently and effectively assess, repair, and maintain any plumbing issue.
Ask About The Sewage System
The most basic question to ask is what type of sewer system the house uses — a municipal sewer line or septic tank. If the home uses a septic tank, find out where it is located, what the tank’s capacity is, when it was last serviced, and the location of the tank drain field. If you notice any leakage or lingering smells or odors coming from the tank, the tank likely requires repair or replacement.
How To Schedule Plumbing Service
Assessing and addressing plumbing issues in a prospective home is essential to avoid buying a property with extensive plumbing problems. Requesting necessary plumbing repairs and maintenance before you close the deal can help save you a significant amount of money and hassle in the future. Our plumbers have assisted homeowners for more than 30 years with every type of plumbing in Gainesville. Call Quality Plumbing of Gainesville Inc. today!