If it’s your first time buying a home, it’s easy to get caught up in the aesthetic qualities and intriguing features of certain properties and let those perks inform your choice. However, it’s important to ensure the home’s practical aspects are functioning properly, such as the plumbing system. As you tour prospective new homes, check the following items before making a commitment. In some cases, you may just need to hire a plumber for a minor repair.

A Plumber’s Checklist for First Time Homebuyers

1. Piping

First, ask the real estate agent to point out the plumbing pipes. If they’re too small in diameter, the water pressure throughout the home could be disappointing. As a general rule of thumb, make sure the pipes are at least ¾ of an inch wide going from the water main to the home, and at least ½ inch leading to the faucets.

2. Toilets

Go around to all the bathrooms in the house and flush the toilets; then, wait around to see what happens. A weak flush could lead to frequent clogs and sewage backups, while a constantly running or gurgling toilet may need plumbing repairs.

3. Faucets

If poor water pressure is at play, you’ll notice it most in the shower and while washing dishes in the kitchen. Avoid this headache by turning on the showers, bathtub faucets, and sinks throughout a promising property. If they all exhibit weak pressure, it doesn’t mean you have to walk away from the house—just keep in mind that hiring a plumber will be part of your new budget.

4. Basement

If you like a house, don’t end the tour until you’ve gone down to the basement. This is the best place to scout out leaky pipes, water damage, or amateur repairs. You can also take this time to ask the real estate agent to show you the water heater. Any holes, rust, or puddles of water around the tank will require a replacement.

If you’re in the process of buying a new home, don’t let its plumbing system go unchecked. You can still invest in a home that needs a bit of TLC, especially when you turn to A All Valley Plumbing & Sewer Service to right its wrongs. This Cincinnati, OH-based, Tri-State area plumber is proud to offer 24-hour emergency service, so you can get help whenever disaster strikes. They can also offer a professional opinion on a house you love that’s lacking in the plumbing department. To learn more about their services, visit the website, or call (513) 733-3311 to make an appointment with a plumber.