Plumbing issues can be extremely expensive, especially if they aren’t caught in time. That’s why it’s important to get a thorough inspection from a licensed Seattle plumber before buying any home.
A home inspector will inspect the electrical, plumbing, roof, attic, foundation and other major components of the house. Buyers and their real estate agents should attend the inspection to ask questions and get an in-depth look at the home.
Water Heater
The water heater is an essential part of a home’s plumbing system. It provides hot water to many parts of the house, including the toilets and showers. If a water heater is in poor condition or not properly working, it can deter a homebuyer from making an offer.
Real estate plumbing by aquatradeplumbing.com.au will inspect the water heater for signs of rust, corrosion, and other damage is important. It’s also good to ask about its age, capacity and location.
If you find a water heater that’s more than 10 years old, it’s a good idea to replace it with a newer model. A water heater over 15 years old isn’t worth the hassle and could cost you a lot of money in repairs.
Aside from the water heater itself, it’s a good idea to check for other plumbing issues affecting your supply of clean, hot water. It includes a leaky sewer line, corroded pipes or other problems that could affect the quality of your water.
Lastly, it’s a good idea to examine the connection points of your plumbing, such as valves and faucets. If there are signs of corrosion, such as rusty connections or residue buildup, it’s a good idea to ask the seller to repair them before you move in.
Faucets
Faucets are a crucial part of any plumbing system. They control the flow of water inside the house, as well as outside, through hose bibbs or garden valves, depending on where you live.
In most jurisdictions, faucets are regulated by plumbing codes. Regardless of the code, household faucets must meet several safety and efficiency standards. Some of the most important requirements include water flow rate, limiting the amount of water dispensed through a faucet.
A faucet’s flow rate is a function of many factors, including its size and construction and the diameter of the pipes in your home. Aerators are installed on most new faucets to limit their flow rate. They also infuse the water stream with air to help reduce splashing and smooth the water flow.
Another important factor is the quality of the metal used to manufacture a faucet. Brass and other metals can corrode over time. It is why some manufacturers use brass specially treated for corrosion resistance. Different manufacturers produce faucets from stainless steel or other materials that resist corrosion.
Toilets
The toilet is a complicated fixture that can fail in numerous ways. During a plumbing inspection, an inspector will check to see if the toilet is working properly and determine if it has any issues that need addressing.
A toilet’s efficiency and performance are important factors for homebuyers, and a plumbing inspection can help identify whether the toilet is a good choice for the home. To do this, an inspector will look at how quickly the toilet flushes and how much waste it removes.
If a home inspector notices a problem with the toilet, they will write up that defect as an issue. They will note the type of toilet, the model number, and any other information that helps them understand the problem.
Some common toilet defects include a leaky tank, a clogged bowl, or a defective flush valve. These can be identified by checking the drain flange and the floor behind the toilet for signs of moisture. Inspectors may also use an infrared camera or moisture meter to examine the area.
Sewer Line
Sewer lines are one of a home’s most overlooked plumbing components, but they can be a real problem if left unchecked. That’s why getting an inspection is essential when buying a house.
Your sewer line is a pipe that transports all of your sewage wastes to the city’s main sewer underneath the street. Depending on the age of your home, these pipes can be made from various materials.
Traditionally, sewer lines are installed underneath a home’s foundation or basement. However, this isn’t always the case. For example, many townhomes and multi family homes have a separate sewer line that connects to the main city sewer.
Once you know where the sewer lines are located, you can schedule your home inspection with a professional. They will be able to test the lines, mark them for you, and advise you on any future sewer line services that might be needed.
Once the inspection is over, you’ll get a detailed report detailing any issues found and any recommendations for repairs. It can include fixing a small leak or replacing the whole sewer line.
