Buying your first home is a major milestone worth celebrating. However, when making such a big financial commitment, it’s important to inspect the plumbing system. Issues like a clog or leak can create unsafe living conditions and lead to extensive damages. As such, here are a few essential elements to check out before closing the deal on a new house.

A Plumbing Checklist for Homebuyers

1. Toilets, Sinks, & Showers

Each of these plumbing features should be examined to make sure they work properly. Flush all the toilets to see if the water drains and refills correctly. Faucets on the sinks and showers should operate without much effort and have good flow, and the water should go quickly down the drain.

Also, look for leaks around every fixture. If you notice anything amiss, you may ask the seller to have the repairs taken care of as a contingency for completing the transaction.

2. Water Heater

The water heater will be crucial for supplying your household with a steady flow of hot water. Like any appliance, they have a limited lifespan, so you’ll want to find out how old it is to determine when a replacement is necessary.

You should also look for signs of corrosion and evidence of leaking. Make sure the capacity is sufficient for your family’s needs. If a new installation is required, it might be possible to subtract the cost from your offer.

3. Water Supply Pipes

While galvanized steel used to be the standard material used for plumbing pipes, this is no longer the case. If a home still has metal pipes, they’ll eventually corrode and need to be replaced. If a variety of mismatched materials exist, this could indicate DIY repairs.

In either situation, it’s a good idea to negotiate with the seller to have all pipes replaced with copper, PVC, and/or PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) materials.

For help making sure your home purchase goes smoothly, turn to Wrightsman Plumbing, Heating & Cooling. For nearly 50 years, this family-owned business has been providing the residents of Gage County, NE, with a wide range of high-quality plumbing solutions that last. Call (402) 228-3100 to request an estimate or visit their website for more information on what they offer.