Plumbing Issues You Should Check Before Buying a House in Sydney

You can miss troublesome plumbing issues when purchasing a newly built home in Sydney, especially if you don’t have the required knowledge to point out plumbing issues by simply checking the pipes and different plumbing fixtures.

Although it’s easy and inexpensive to fix some plumbing problems, others can cause severe damage to property and huge losses if they aren’t fixed as soon as possible by an experienced Sydney plumber.

It’s important to know how to inspect plumbing in a newly built home to avoid a stressful experience and spending more than you bargained for.

As a team of professional plumbers in Sydney, Fast Plumbers have outlined five signs that should tell you something is wrong with the plumbing system before spending your hard-earned money to buy a house.

You can also consider hiring a reputable plumbing company to do the job for you as they’re more likely to notice plumbing flaws that you’d otherwise miss.

1. Old water heater

A high-quality water heater has an average lifespan of about 10 years. If the water heater is extremely old, it can explode anytime. In case it explodes, the floor or entire house may flood.

Thus, it’s important to assess the hot water unit to ensure it’s in its best working condition and not very old. For instance, check for any rust and corrosion.

Also, if the heater is producing cold water, then it’s probably faulty. Additionally, check the showers and hot water faucets to assess how long it’ll take for the heater to warm water. In case it’s taking quite long, it’s likely faulty.

2. Leaky toilet

A leaky toilet should tell you that the plumbing has issues. Flush every toilet in the home a few times to check whether they’re in their best condition.

In case water continues running long after a complete flush cycle, or it’s not draining the water properly, it’s likely that there’re issues with the gasket, seal, or flapper.

A running toilet is also a sign of extensive plumbing issues. Also, don’t ignore any discoloration on the surrounding areas of a toilet. Any damages near the toilet should also be a warning sign.

A leaky toilet can also cause structural damages, especially to the foundation, ceiling, or floor below. In case you notice plumbing issues within the bathroom, pass the house and hunt for another one or request the owner to fix the issues before buying the house.

3. Outdated drainage system

A damaged or outdated drainage system should make you feel worried. Accumulated debris and dirt can clog the drain. In worst-case scenarios, a clogged drain may cause sewer backup into your home.

You can check for issues with the drainage system by taking note of for signs such as seepage, unpleasant smell, or leakage around the drainage.

In case the drainage system has a main sewer line, call a qualified plumber to inspect it professionally with the right tools.

4. Poorly installed or damaged water pipes

Poorly installed or damaged water supply pipes can cause severe damage to your property. Buying a home is a huge investment. Thus, failure to assess the condition of water pipes can lead to huge financial losses.

Ensure the plumbing system is installed using high-quality pipes. They should be properly insulated and big enough.

5. Clogged Drains

It’s common for drains to get clogged. Clogged drains should be unblocked urgently to prevent more serious issues such as damage to pipes and ducts or leaks.

You can check whether a drain is clogged by turning on each faucet and allow it to run for about 3 minutes. In case water fails to drain properly, it’s likely that the drain is clogged.

These are just but a few red flags or signs that should tell you something is wrong with the plumbing system of a house.

In case you’re not sure about how to point out plumbing issues when shopping for a home, contact a reputable plumber to do the work for you.

Fast Plumbers has been offering Sydney residents with professional plumbing services for more than a decade. Our team of Sydney plumbers are highly experienced and can assist you to inspect any issues with the plumbing system of the house you’re seeking to buy. Contact us today at 1300 481 182 for further assistance.

Read: Plumbing Tips for Improving Energy and Water Efficiency in Sydney Homes