As you prepare to purchase your first home, avoid issues straight out of the 1980s classic The Money Pit by inspecting each potential residence for plumbing issues. Use this quick guide to know what to look for, keeping in mind most issues are easily rectified by a plumber, so you do not have to give up your dream home.

Check These 5 Plumbing Features Before Buying a Home

1. Flush the Toilets

Make a mental note of the water level in each toilet before flushing. Does the water return to the bowl at the same level, indicating clear drains? Also, check how long the toilet runs before you can flush it again and whether it clears toilet paper on the first try. Professional drain cleaning resolves these problems because it removes clogs deep within the plumbing system that plungers and augers cannot fix. Drain cleaning from an experienced plumber also prevents issues such as toilet backups and raw sewage exposure.

2. Turn the Shower & Faucets On

Check for slow drains and standing water by turning the showers and faucets on. Professional drain cleaning resolves these issues to keep water flowing freely. It also saves bathing and cleaning time to help your water bills. Perform this inspection to additionally check water pressure, as low pressure can indicate a clogged drain or hard water. Your local plumber will recommend a water softener and replace calcified fixtures if you have the latter issue.

3. Check Water Pipe Size

Look at the size of water pipes, as older homes often feature smaller piping that cannot accommodate modern plumbing needs. Your pipes should be at least ¾” and the faucets at least ½” to avoid water pressure problems. Local plumbers will replace these pipes, something especially important if they are made of lead.

4. Inspect the Water Heater

Learn the water heater age and when it was serviced. Water heaters last up to 15 years before they need replacing. Also, look for signs of corrosion on the appliance as well as any pooling water. If the heater does need replacing, you can renegotiate the house’s price if you want to pay for the fix yourself. This is true of any damage to the house--the owner may also decide to make repairs to keep the price the same.

5. Look at The Floors & Ceilings for Water Damage

Observe the floors and ceilings for yellowish-brownish stains, bubbling paint, blistered wallpaper, warped hardwood flooring, and peeling linoleum or vinyl. If the house includes a lot of carpeting, ensure none of it is damp or features a musty odor. All of these issues indicate leaks or that water damage was never fixed properly. These repairs are usually easy to negotiate with the seller.

The team at King’s Plumbing solve plumbing issues throughout the Greater Cincinnati, OH area, offering water heater replacement, drain cleaning, sump pump repair, and sewer cleaning among other expert services. Call the plumbers today at (513) 683-9935 to schedule service or learn more about installations, repairs, and replacements online.