Buying a new home can be exciting and stressful at the same time. Purchasing a new home comes with more financial risks than people expect, which is why new home plumbing problems may go unnoticed until it’s too late. Plumbing is extremely costly when overlooked, which is easy to do when you’re unfamiliar with the red flags. There are several signs a problem might exist in a home before you purchase it. Consider the following symptoms of any future house you wish to buy, so you aren’t caught by surprise when new home plumbing problems occur.
Poorly Installed Water Pipes
A common new home plumbing problem is leaky pipes, which may cause serious water damage to your new investment. Look for pinhole leaks, worn piping and corroded joints. If you notice the supply pipes are galvanized, you will need to replace them. Another sign the pipes are leaking is if the drains have restricted flow, indicating the pipes aren’t big enough. If the pipes aren’t insulated, consider calling Estes Services to insulate your pipes to prevent freezing or possible bursting.
Leaky Toilets
Leaky toilets are another potential new home plumbing problem. The fix could be easy, such as a chain or flapper needing replaced, or the repair could be more extensive, requiring professional help. Toilets that don’t drain properly will lead to leaks if the problem goes unchecked by a plumber. You might notice a leak from the tank or bottom of the toilet, where seals and gaskets are worn down from years of use. Look for any damage around the toilet, such as discoloration, a soggy floor or a wiggly bowl. A leaky toilet will rot through the floor and damage other areas of your home.
Aging Water Heater
A warning sign your new home has plumbing problems is the condition of the water heater. If the current water heater is old, you will have to replace it sooner than later. Water heaters are expensive and after investing in a new home, you don’t want to add more financial debt to your plate. If you notice dampness, corrosion or a lack of hot water, the water heater is getting close to the end of its life. Old water heaters can even flood your home if the bottom wears out. If there is carpet, hardwood flooring or furniture near the water heater, flooding will damage those, too.
Clogged Drains
You can check the drains of a new home for any issues by turning a faucet on and letting it run for a few minutes. If there are no clogs, it will drain quickly and continue to drain the entire time the faucet is running. If the water doesn’t drain right away, there is a clog somewhere in your plumbing. Clogs are caused by toiletry deposits, built-up oils and materials, and loose hair. Clogged drains lead to serious leaks when they go unchecked.
Another way to see if clogged drains are a problem is to look under the sink for leaks. If there is water damage or mold, a leak is present. Inspect the drain line under the sink; if it looks like it has been painted, it might indicate the plumbing is dated.
Search for new home plumbing problems before you make an offer on a house. Call Estes Services for plumbing inspections and repairs for your new home. Our professionals are experienced and skilled to handle any situation you might experience. They are happy to answer your questions and to teach you how to spot trouble so you can enjoy your home for years to come.
