Allied's plumbing checklist for homebuyers

So, you’re buying a new home. Before you make it official, it’s important to take a look at your potential new home’s plumbing. Doing this before you buy can save you lots of money (and a few headaches) in the future. To help you streamline the process, we’ve created a list of the most important plumbing features to check before booking that moving truck. Faucets and sinks  First, turn on every faucet in the house to make sure the water runs quickly and drains quickly, too. This will give you an idea of how well the water pressure is in the home and if there are drain issues that will need to be repaired. We recommend having a plumber take a look. Don’t rely on a bottle of drain opener to fix the problem. Have it fixed right -- and permanently – before you buy. Next, look around the faucets and at the base and installation points of the sink to see if there are any leaks. These, too, can be costly in the long run, so the leaks should be repaired by a professional right away. Water heater If possible, get a full history of the home’s plumbing, including repairs and updates, from the current owner or the realtor. It’s especially helpful to know the age of the water heater, which can usually be found on the heater itself. Generally, water heaters should be replaced every 10-12 years. Check the water heater for any leaks around the inlet, outlet valves and the heater’s base. Listen for any noises when you turn the water heater on and check to see if you find any rust on the tank. You can also turn on the faucet and check to see if there is any rust colored water that runs. If you notice any of these signs, have a plumber check to see if the water heater needs to be replaced or repaired. Main sewer drain  Avoid one of the most costly and extensive repairs by hiring a plumbing professional to check the main sewer drain. We recommend this especially if the home you’re considering buying is older. Age and tree roots that grow under the home’s foundation are two of the main culprits of sewer drain breaks. However, the best way to tell if the drain need repaired is with a camera inspection performed by a professional plumber. Sump pump If the sump pump in the home you’re planning to buy isn’t working properly and needs to be replaced or repaired it can cause a flooded basement. This can lead to costly repairs and is liable to cause damage to the property in the basement, too. Before you buy, ask the current home owner or realtor if the basement has ever flooded. If it has and they haven’t investigated to find out why, you’ll want to hire a plumber to examine the condition of the sump pump. Water meter  When you’re looking at the house, turn off the water meter to test the shut off valve. If you notice water coming out of the spouts, you’ll need to have the valve checked out. It may need to be repaired or replaced. Don’t let plumbing concerns take the joy out of homebuying.With these tips, you can be sure that if all are in working order, you’ve found a great house to call home.  Call or Contact the at Allied Reddi-Rooter, 513-396-5300.  We always come highly recommended and have earned an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau for our expert quality of service.