Buying a new home is a major investment, so you want to ensure you’re making a smart decision. A potential new home’s plumbing system should be in good condition and working order before you move in. While having the property professionally inspected is encouraged, here are a few preliminary plumbing checks you can perform on your own when you tour the house. 

How to Check a Prospective Home’s Plumbing System

1. Flush the Toilets

Flushes that are too weak could indicate a suction problem due to sediment buildup in pipes. Toilets that constantly run after being flushed can indicate a hardware issue inside the tank.

While these are not necessarily major issues, they should be addressed with the current owner. Having the toilets inspected will help to understand the scope of the problem and could uncover underlying issues that should be resolved before the sale of the home.

2. Turn on the Showers

Weak water pressure, especially coming from showerheads, is a problem that plagues many homeowners. Similar to toilets, sediment buildup from calcium deposits in hard water can prevent the proper flow of water.

Fortunately, installing a new showerhead is a relatively easy fix. If that doesn’t solve the issue, corroded pipes and blockages could be causing weak water pressure. These issues are more serious and should be discussed with a plumbing contractor.

3. Ask to See the Water Heater

Water heaters are an essential home appliance. Depending on their use and maintenance, a water heater can last anywhere from six years to 13 years.

When inspecting this appliance, look for rust, puddling, and rumbling during operation. These can indicate corrosion, leaks, and sediment buildup within the tank. If the water heater is nearing the end of its expected lifespan and exhibiting issues, you may want to negotiate with the current owner about getting a replacement.

4. Tour the Basement

While checking out the water heater, look at some of the other areas of the basement. Inspect plumbing fixtures for leaks or shoddy repairs and look for areas of dampness or moisture. If the home has a crawlspace, perform a visual inspection to check for obvious signs of damage or corroded pipes. 

If you need a plumbing repair or installation in your new home, trust the skilled technicians at Riley-Armstrong Plumbing & Heating in Fort Dodge, IA. This company has more than 30 years of experience working on residential and commercial plumbing systems. They also provide emergency service for urgent plumbing issues to ensure your home remains safe and damage-free. Call (515) 955-2232 or reach out to their team online to schedule service.