Plumbing Checklist for Home Buyers and Real Estate Agents.

Before you buy or renovate a home, do a thorough plumbing check, or get a professional to do it for you. Here are a few things to look for.

Buying or renovating a home should be a rewarding endeavour, so don’t let it turn into a nightmare; always do a plumbing check to avoid unexpected repairs or upgrades.

• Look for dripping taps both inside and outside. Run every tap to look for rust in the water and check they don’t need to be turned off too firmly to stop any drips.
• Check under sinks and around dishwashers, showers, baths, toilets and laundry tubs for signs of leaks or water damage including any surrounding cupboards or flooring.
• Turn on showers to check for damage and to listen for noisy pipes.
• Flush all the toilets to ensure they all work properly.
• Check ceilings and walls below upper floor bathrooms and toilets for any signs of water damage such as staining or warping.
• Look for rust or corrosion on the water heater and check the date of manufacture or install (if it is over 10 years old it may need to be replaced soon). Ask when it was last serviced or checked by a plumbing professional.
• If the property has a septic tank, make sure there are no leaks and check for excessive odour. Also ask when it was last emptied.
• If you have access, check the pipes under the house and look for any wet areas that could indicate a leak.
• Check the drainage in the exterior yard for any leaks that could indicate damaged pipes.
• Ask if the property has lead pipes; these can lead to poisoning and will need to be replaced.

Nothing beats having a professional check done however, to really put your mind at rest and ensure you are protected. For example, your qualified plumber can use a moisture meter to check for hidden leaks inside walls, so you don’t get any nasty surprises. Click Here for more information about PlumbSpec or call 0417 555 325.