Risky Plumbing Signs in a New Home

As anyone who has been through it can tell you, the process of buying a new home is never easy. You have to spend hours taking tours and finding the right options, on top of all the paperwork and money-related concerns to consider.

During open houses and tours, you should have your eye out for little particulars – including plumbing. At All Hours Plumbing, Drain Cleaning, Heating & Cooling, our plumbers have seen clients move into what they thought was a fantastic new home, only to discover that there were serious plumbing issues that needed work for the house to be habitable. Let’s look at some of the signs that these issues might be present, and what you should watch out for when considering a new home.

Slow Draining

Test sinks, faucets, showers and bathtubs in a potential new home. You’re looking for the speed at which they drain – any drain that takes too long to empty is a bad sign. This could mean there’s a buildup or blockage of sewage somewhere along the line within the plumbing system, and this issue could lead to further clogs. In a worst-case scenario, this might be tree roots clogging the main line and indicating you may need to overhaul your entire system.

Ceiling Stains

Look at the ceilings and walls in each room, carefully checking for stains. Likely brown, these are typically water stains. They could mean there’s a leaky roof or a leaky pipe somewhere in the area, but in either case, this will need to be repaired at the seller’s expense before you consider a purchase. In some cases, these stains will be due to a previous problem that has already been corrected.

Leaks

To whatever degree you can, inspect the plumbing system in a potential new home Check pipes under sinks, faucets, shower heads, water supply lines and other plumbing fixtures. Also check all fittings and connections. If you notice any leaking or condensation, or any standing water in the area, this is a sign of a problem. These kinds of leaks can cost you tons of extra money in utility costs, and may lead to even large issues down the line due to water damage and mold removal.

To learn more about what to look for plumbing-wise in a new home, or to find out about any of our other plumbing services, speak to the pros at All Hours Plumbing, Drain Cleaning, Heating & Cooling today.