Signs Of Poor Plumbing (or plumbing problems) When Buying A Home

by Brent Black, Hillcrest Plumbing and Heating
(Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada)

When you’re looking to buy a new home, you want to know that you are getting a property of value.

A leaky faucet or signs of water damage may seem insignificant when you’ve found the perfect house, neighbourhood or location.

But plumbing problems can pile up, and they can end up costing you more in the long run, if they are not dealt with.

The house of your dreams probably doesn’t involve rotting walls or overflowing bathrooms. There are a few simple things to look out for when you’re thinking of buying a new home!

Look For Signs of Water Damage

When you are awestruck by the beauty and excitement of a new home, it can be difficult to spot even the most obvious signs of water damage.

We recommend that you have any house professionally inspected before you buy it, however there are some things you can look out for beforehand.

Look Up!

Check the ceilings. Are there any cracks in the roof or upper walls? Ripples in the paint? Dark stains if there is wood? These are all warning signs that the roof in this home or apartment has, at one time had water leaking in.

Eye The Edges

When you’re touring through the kitchen and bathrooms, keep a keen eye on the edges of appliances. Is there any discolouration around the bathroom floor? Around the sink?

Is moulding cracking or tainted a different colour near any appliance that uses water? Are the walls behind the washing machine stained?

These red flags indicate water damage and are a sign that these appliances have, at one time been faulty, leaked or overflowed.

Look under cupboards in the kitchen and bathroom. Are there any signs of discolouration directly under the pipes that lead to the sink? If there are, that sink has been leaking.
Be wary of anything uneven

More importantly, touch the walls. In the basement especially, it is common in a home that has not been properly insulated to have cold, damp walls.

This can cause insect infestations and mildew. It is not something you want to have to deal with after you buy a new home!

Uneven flooring, or curved floorboards if there is hardwood are another sign of water damage in the floors. Discoloured carpets can also indicate that there has been a flood.

Ask About The History

Have there been any previous water problems in the area, for example flooding? Ask about the age of the appliances, as well as when were they last inspected or updated.

The history of the home can teach you a lot about its future. If flooding or leaks have been a problem in the past, it is likely that that problem isn’t going anywhere fast.

Drains and Sewers

It is common for the drains of a home to become clogged over time. Whether it's a buildup of old food in the sink drains or hair in the shower drain, there are many potential problem areas in a home that has been previously lived in.

The best way to be sure everything is in good working order, it is best to have the home inspected professionally. If you are simply touring through a home during a showing, ask to run the sink water or bath.

Watch to see if the water drains slowly. If it collects and doesn’t drain immediately, this is a sign that something is wrong with the drain and pipes.
Get A Plumbing Assessment

You want to be sure that the home you’re moving into is free of plumbing problems. At Hillcrest Plumbing and Heating, we do plumbing assessments and inspections.

So you can rest easy, knowing your new home or the home that you are selling, is in good working order!