Plumbing Checks To Do Before Moving Into A New Home

So, you've found a house that you really like? Congratulations! However, just because it looks good, it doesn't mean that all the internals of it are in great shape. And this can't be more true when it comes to plumbing, since the old pipes and faulty installations are the easiest things to hide with a new facade. Therefore, even if you're already in love with your potential place, there are some plumbing checks to do before moving into a new home.

Why Plumbing Checks Are Necessary?

You likely don't know when was the last time that the previous owner had the plumbing system checked. For all you know, it could have happened years or even decades ago. And as we all know, if they're not maintained properly, pipes can easily get damaged. Then you'll end up with leaks, which bring more damage to your home.

Since that's something we want to avoid at all costs, it's important to have regular boiler checks. Therefore, if you just bought a new home, or preparing to buy one and aren't sure about your plumbing system, be sure to keep reading. We've prepared a list of things for you to consider and pay attention to. You'll learn what are the most commonly occurring problems and how to overcome them.

Plumbing checks to do before moving into a new home are an important thing to do to avoid any bigger expenses later on. 

Leaky Toilets And Taps

The first is probably not only one of the most common plumbing problems, but also the most annoying one. Especially when you're trying to sleep at night and the water keeps dripping and making the loudest sound possible. It may seem like a minor thing, but remember that a dripping tap can actually raise your water bill if left unchecked. So, that's why this is one of the plumbing checks to do before moving into a new home. With time, it worsens and the costs rise, so be sure to address it on time.

The story is pretty much the same when it comes to running toilets. This happens when the float is set too high. If this is happening, water spills into the overflow tube after the toilet is flushed, so it won't allow the fill valve to shut down. 

And since the toilets are the main sources of water usage in homes, leaving it running continuously will make your water bill skyrocket. Luckily, this is a common problem so it's easily fixed by a professional plumber.

Are There Any Lead Pipes In Your New Home?

Today, many people are leaving the city and settling down in a quiet small town in search of peace and escape from the city bustle. However, houses in these smaller towns are usually very old, which brings the possibility that lead pipes were used for its plumbing. At the time, it was a cost-effective solution and it seemed that they're extremely sturdy. Unfortunately, as time progressed, people have discovered how toxic lead is to humans, and how easily the drinking water can be contaminated if it runs through such pipes.

Lead in a high enough quantity can be a cause of death. So, if you're thinking about buying a house that predates the 1970s, be sure to call a plumber and have everything checked right away.

Make sure that you don't have any lead pipes in the house you're planning to buy. 

Make Sure That All The Pipes Are Insulated

If you live in a cold place, your pipes can easily freeze up during the winter months. Therefore, it's extremely important to check if the pipes have been properly lagged and protected from natural elements. Additionally, check if the boiler or the hot water tank is properly insulated as well.

If you find yourself in a situation where your pipes have frozen, you should try to defrost them. Most people call a professional at this point as they simply don't know what to do. However, you can achieve a lot with the things you have laying around the house. Using a hairdryer for the task is probably one of the best home maintenance tips there is. It will take some time, but it works and that's all you need.

Check For Water Damage

Next on our list of the plumbing checks to do before moving into a new home is looking for water damage and damp walls. Damp areas are a serious problem if you find them in your home, so many owners try to hide them in any way they can. So, be sure to take a good look at every corner when performing a home inspection.

The most probable locations for finding mold and damp walls are home extensions. These usually occur when they're done by builders that aren't professionals or when something is improperly fitted.

We don't have to explain to you that mold and mildew can be serious health hazards. Especially if someone in your family suffers from respiratory issues. Therefore, check hidden places such as behind the wall cavities, lofts, basements, and garages. While you're there, check for problems caused by leaky roofs or if there is any kind of water damage to the property.

It's worth mentioning that leaky pipes also can be the cause of water damage. So, not everything is a red flag, but you should be as careful as possible.

Mold and water damage aren't always alarming things, but they should be checked out. 

Find the internal stop tap

The final thing you need to know is where exactly your internal stop tap is. This is the only thing that can completely stop the water flow in your home, so it's very important in case of a problem. During a leak or flooding, this may be the only way to save most of your home. Therefore, it has to be operational and hopefully easily accessible at all times.

In general, it acts as an emergency stop button for your water system. Make sure to inform your family about its location, just as a precaution.

And there you have it - these are all the plumbing checks to do before moving into a new home. Call a professional plumber and let him check everything beforehand. If he tells you it's alright, you'll know that you're good to go.

Guest Contributor: Sophia Perry