There are many features to assess when purchasing a home, and the plumbing system is no exception. Identifying potential issues with the home’s drains, pipes, and fixtures can help you determine whether you’ll need to hire a plumber to perform repairs before you move in. Here are some issues to look for when you’re house shopping.

What Plumbing Problems Should You Watch for When House Hunting?

1. Old Water Heater

An older water heater won’t necessarily be a make-or-break factor when purchasing a home, but it’s helpful to know the appliance’s age before making an offer. These systems can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars to replace, so you’ll want to make sure you have room in your budget to make the upgrade if needed. Most devices last around a decade. Besides old age, other reasons for replacement include signs of corrosion, moisture surrounding the water heater’s base, and lack of hot water in the home.

2. Slow Drains

One clogged drain is unlikely to derail your plans to purchase a home. Yet, if all of the house’s drains are sluggish, take note. This could indicate a larger underlying issue with the plumbing, such as a blockage in the pipes located outside the home. This can occur when a pipe becomes obstructed by tree roots, for example. Run multiple drains at once and pay attention to how quickly or slowly toilets flush, too. 

3. Outdated Pipes

Today, plumbers outfit homes with pipes made from copper, galvanized steel, or certain types of plastic. Some homes built before 1986 may still have lead pipes, which are a known health hazard. If you’re considering an older home and it has lead pipes, you’ll need to replace the plumbing network with an approved material. Since this can be a costly endeavor, it may be worth walking away from a home with this issue if the sellers aren’t willing to negotiate on the price. 

The only way to identify all potential plumbing issues in a home before buying it is to schedule an inspection with a professional plumber. A All Valley Plumbing & Sewer Service in Reading, OH offers comprehensive inspections for prospective homebuyers so you can make an informed decision before moving forward with your investment. See their full list of services online or call (513) 733-3311 to request an appointment.