4 Things Prospective Home Buyers Should Know About Plumbing

Before signing a contract, prospective home buyers should know about each aspect of the house in question. Everything from the foundation to the roof. Being informed and knowing what to look for can mean the difference between a great real estate investment and a home disaster.

For smart home buyers, this includes having some basic knowledge of general plumbing. Knowing what to look for in a plumbing system and having a basic knowledge of how it works is a substantial chunk of the home-purchase battle.

The team at Bob Oates Plumbing, Sewer & Rooter is happy to provide the following list. It will help guide every prospective home buyer in the basics of general plumbing.

Let’s get to it!

1. Location of Shutoff Valves

Before the purchase of a home, it’s the buyer’s responsibility to know not only where the main water shutoff valve is located but also the location of each individual shutoff valve. Ideally, it’s essential that you test each shutoff valve to make sure it works properly and turns smoothly.

A home’s main shutoff valve is usually located next to the water meter. Water meters are typically found in front of the house, near the curb. A tee-handle tool will be necessary to work the valve. Secondary valves for kitchen and bathroom sink faucets can be found at the base of each sink, usually under the cabinet. These can normally be opened and closed by hand.

Knowing the location of these valves and making sure they function properly will best prepare the home buyer should any plumbing emergencies occur.

2. Pipes and Waste System

In terms of general plumbing knowledge, prospective home buyers must be able to tell what kind of piping is used in the house and what type of waste system it contains. Lead pipes pose a health danger and are also more likely to corrode and rust.

Checking indicators such as rust in the water or whether it has a metallic taste are great ways to assess whether the pipes are made of lead or not. If you’re not able to tell for sure, ask the seller.

As for the home’s waste system, there are two main types: city sewage and septic systems. If the house is on a city sewer system, this is less of an issue; however, you will be responsible for any sewer pipe repair needed from your property up to where the pipeline meets the city’s sewage system.

But if the house uses a septic tank, extra care and maintenance is inevitably going to be required of the homeowner. So it’s always important to verify a home’s waste system type before purchase. Septic system repairs can be extremely costly.

3. Signs of Leaking Pipes

You don’t need to possess general plumbing knowledge to perceive a water stain on the wall. But it sure is a great way to tell if the home you’re about to purchase may have leaking pipes.

Water stains on the ceiling and walls or warped drywall and trim may mean there are slow leaks inside the walls. At Bob Oates, we’re experts in pipe repair. We have a separate post dedicated to why you shouldn’t ignore leaky pipes!

Note: It’s important to keep in mind that if you’re looking at a single-story home, water stains on the ceiling alone could mean something else entirely.

4. When to Hire a Plumbing Inspector

One of the smartest moves for prospective home buyers is knowing when it’s time to hire somebody with expertise. Having a professional conduct a drain inspection or sewer camera inspection can save the home buyer a lot of money.

The pros know exactly what to look for and are not biased. A qualified plumbing inspector can usually do the job in a few hours or less.

Wrapping Up

So before buying that new house, every prospective homeowner should keep the general plumbing tips above in mind. These key pointers can help signal whether a plumbing system is up to date or on its way out. Replacing a plumbing system, even partially, can be a costly hassle.

At Bob Oates, we’re here for our Greater Seattle community — everything from free, over-the-phone advice to conducting a whole-house water main inspection. Give us a call or reach out anytime!