So, you’ve started the journey to buying your next home. You might be a first-time buyer, or maybe you’ve moved a couple of times already; the fact remains that you need to be aware of any potential plumbing issues before you buy. A plumbing guide when house hunting is the perfect thing to keep in mind, no matter how experienced you are with the housing market.
That’s where we come in, highlighting some of the most important potential issues so that you can check them out before you commit to the property of your dreams and avoid it becoming the home of your nightmares. Sit back and relax while we make a list of the must-knows for you to take with you on your next viewing.
Check the Boiler
When you’re being shown a house, you will always be taken to the boiler’s location, and this is the perfect opportunity for you to check it out. Ask the estate agent or homeowner how old the boiler is and whether or not it has a service record, as well as if it is still under warranty.
If they cannot give you this information, make a note of the boiler’s serial number and do a quick internet search for it later. This will give you a record of its age, make, and model. With regard to the service history, if it’s not made available to you, you will need to call a plumber out to check it over.
Get the Piping Prepped
Pipework without cladding or that is inferior in terms of its construction can lead to leaks or breaks in the winter months. If you check the pipes and notice there are any issues, this can work in your favour when trying to bring down the price of a property. Just make sure you use the cash you saved to give the piping a nice upgrade.
Check the Water Tank
If the property doesn’t have a combi boiler installed, that means there will be a water tank instead. You need to check where it is located and consider how serious things could get if it leaks or becomes damaged. You will also want to think about the age of the tank and its type, especially as their integrity tends to decline substantially as they age. The serial number can be used to find this information.
Flush the Toilets
It might seem weird, but it’s pretty important – especially as a leaking toilet is a massive disruption. What you need to do is flush the toilet a couple of times when you are viewing the property and use your hands to check the base. If they come back damp, there’s a problem. You can also use your feet to check if the floor is soft around the base of the toilet, another potential indicator of a leak.
To Conclude
We hope that this guide has been able to give you a little more confidence when spotting major plumbing issues in a home. With these little tips, viewing houses should be a less stressful experience as you know what to look for and what you really don’t want to see. We wish you the best of luck in your house-hunting journey and are sure you’ll find a fantastic home to call your own.