In this post we will mention the main plumbing red flags to look out for when buying a home. One of the most common issues overlooked when buying a home is its potential plumbing problems. There are certain red flags or indicators that you should look out for to see if there’s a serious plumbing issue in the property you’re planning on buying. The last thing you want is to find out about these issues after having moved in, potentially costing a lot of money to repair.
Here are some of the red flags we recommend you look out for:
Leaky Pipes
Leaky pipes are usually undetectable as they are usually located in the inside fixtures and interior of the house. Depending on how extensive the damage is, a leaky pipe can be one of the most common and more expensive to fix. A plumbing red flag would be water stains on the ceiling and/or the walls. When you see these, it would be best to have an experienced plumber to look into it. Before purchasing your potential home, ask your estate agent about this.
Clogged Pipes
Clogged pipes are often a result of accumulated sand, dirt, and other built up debris that has accumulated over the years. To see if your pipes are clogged, run a tap and check your water pressure. Low water pressure is a good indicator that there could be a blockage in your pipe worth checking out by a plumber on call.
Leaks and Drips
Leaks and drips are often hard to detect due to their location. Unresolved water leaks and drips can result in water damage further down your line. On top of that, leaks and drips are a huge waste of both water and money, so it is important to look for this plumbing red flag. When viewing a property, have a plumber you trust check the toilets, pipes, taps and other plumbing fittings and fixtures.
Mould
Mould is a common occurrence in a lot of households. Although, excessive amounts of mould in a home or property is already a red flag. It has negative effects on your health not limited to: chest infections, coughing and other respiratory ailments, irritations to your eyes, throat, and skin, among others, It is therefore imperative to look for the main source of the mould so you can get it resolved immediately.
The first signs of mould are white or green colonies or patches especially in the following areas of your house: top and bottom part of your interior walls, ceilings, and wall corners. Make sure that this issue gets fully treated as it can result in constant mould growth if you just take it off the surface. Mould can result from a leaking drain pipe, blocked gutters and downpipes or poor ventilation in a room . If you are unsure of the cause, getting a 24 hour plumber out to thoroughly examine the cause would be the best course of action.
Heating Pipework & Interior Plumbing
If the house you are looking at is new or recently built, there’s a high chance that there won’t be any plumbing red flags. However, if the property you’re looking at is an older house, then it would be wise to check with the homeowner about the heating pipework and its interior plumbing. It’s good to also ask about the previous repair works that have been done on the property. Usually older properties have lead piping or gun barrel pipework that will need replacement which is very costly. We suggest that buyers who are looking at an older property, to get an insured and qualified plumber to examine the interior pipes prior to purchasing to avoid future cost repairs.
When viewing the property, make sure to take note of these plumbing red flags. You then need to talk to your estate agent who will in turn ask the homeowner to repair these issues prior to your moving in. If they are not amenable to doing so, it would be wise to consider looking at other properties to have your options open. Once you have bought your house the burden now lies with the new homeowner.
At 24 Hour Plumber, we are committed to giving top quality repair and service for all types of plumbing and heating problems. If you require the services of one of our qualified plumbers, call us today on (01) 531 2220 or 085 855 6111.
24 Hour Plumber
When it comes to making big decisions on your home, only trust the best in the field. 24 Hour Plumber has been in the business for 16 years. Through the years we have found and fixed plumbing and heating issues with an efficient and reliable work turnaround.
Trust only the best for your plumbing and heating needs. 24 Hour Plumber is fully insured, accredited, and experienced in this line of business. As we continue to grow our business and provide quality service to different markets, we appreciate your referrals and word of mouth. Our success is as much yours as ours, our loyal clients.
For any plumbing and heating issue, particularly any plumbing red flags to look out for when buying a home don’t hesitate to contact 24 Hour Plumber, your 24 hour plumber on call in Dublin on (01) 531 2220 or 085 855 6111.
