When you’re buying a home, you might not think about the plumbing until after you’ve closed on the contract. However, the condition of your plumbing system is just as critical as the condition of your home’s foundation, roof and other major building features. Improperly installed or worn plumbing pipes can lead to leaks, backups, flooding and other costly problems that require costly fixes. Fortunately, there are many ways you can avoid plumbing problems in the first place. Before closing on that new home, check the plumbing system for any abnormalities or signs of wear and tear. This way, you can make sure everything’s in good working order before you move in. Here are some tips for preventing problems before you sign that contract:

Schedule a Plumbing Inspection

Before purchasing a property, you should always schedule a home inspection. However, you should also consider scheduling a separate plumbing inspection. A home inspector will check for a variety of issues, including foundation issues, defects in the walls and roof, and other major building defects. A plumbing inspector, on the other hand, will check your pipes and drains for any signs of wear and tear. They’ll also check for any buildup in your sewer line, which could lead to a clog. Having a plumbing inspection performed before you close on the property is an excellent way to avoid costly repairs in the future. If there are any issues with the plumbing, you’ll have plenty of time to take corrective action before the transfer of ownership occurs.

Confirm the Size and Configuration of the Plumbing

Before you make an offer on a home, you should confirm the size and condition of the plumbing system. You can do this by calling the city or county government and asking them to send you a copy of the plumbing blueprint for the area. You can also visit the property and take a walk-through to get a better idea of the current state of the plumbing. If the home has any existing plumbing issues, you can ask the seller to repair them before you close. If the home is new and doesn’t have any issues with the plumbing, you can ask the seller to repair any defects before you move in.

Add a Plumbing Tap Before You Move In

If the home you’re looking at has an existing plumbing system, you may not be able to add additional features without getting a permit. For example, you may need a permit to install a new bathroom in your garage. If that’s the case, you should add the plumbing tap before you actually move in. If the pipe is properly installed before you close on the home, you’ll have fewer headaches when you move in and start using the bathroom. You can also add a shutoff valve to the main water line before you close on the property. A shutoff valve will allow you to turn off the water to the entire system if you need to perform any repairs.

Watch Out for Clogged Drains

You might think that cleaning your drains regularly will prevent them from clogging, but you’re wrong. Even if you use a cleaning solution and a plunger on a daily basis, you may still end up with a clogged drain. That’s because a clogged drain can occur unexpectedly. If your toilet is clogged and you don’t have a plunger on hand, you could end up with a nasty sewage spill. To avoid this, use a plunger twice a week to help unclog your drains. If you use baking soda and vinegar to clean your drains at least once a month, you can prevent serious issues from occurring.

Keep the Toilet Seat Lid Down

A clogged toilet is one of the most common plumbing problems. It’s also one of the easiest to prevent, especially if you use a toilet seat cover. Many toilet seat covers are made with a rubber gasket that helps keep the toilet seat from leaking. If you use a toilet seat cover, make sure you keep it on at all times. The gasket can trap any food scraps, paper towels and other items that fall into the toilet. If you don’t keep the lid down, you could end up with a clogged toilet that’s a nightmare to fix.

Watch Out for Leaks

You might not think about leaking faucets until you see a puddle of water in your kitchen. However, leaks can occur in any part of the plumbing system. If you notice a drip or a small leak, there are several things you can do to stop the leak. First, shut off the water. Next, use a bucket or a pail to catch the water. If you can’t stop the leak immediately, you can cover the area with plastic sheeting. You can also cover the area with duct tape. Duct tape is a great sealant for small leaks. If you use duct tape to cover the leak, make sure it’s thick enough to cover the entire area.

Conclusion

You never know when plumbing problems will occur. Fortunately, there are many ways you can avoid them before you close on the property. By scheduling a plumbing inspection and adding a plumbing tap before you move in, you can prevent the need for costly fixes in the future. You can also keep the toilet lid down and watch out for leaks to ensure that your plumbing system stays in good working order.

Frequently Asked Question

  • Keeping the Water On During an Emergency
  • Overusing Drain Cleaners
  • Fixing Plumbing Issues on Your Own
  • Ignoring a Plumbing Issue
  • Using a Handyman Instead of a Licensed Plumber
  • Turning Off Your Heater in the Winter
  • Not Scheduling Plumbing Service
  • Have the Right Tools for the Job
  • Turn off All Water Before You Start
  • Use Natural Methods to Unclog Your Drains
  • Don't Put Trash in Your Garbage Disposal
  • Don't Overtighten Plumbing Connections
  • Don't Hesitate to Call for Help
Maintenance may also include inspection of your garbage disposal lines (and unit), dishwasher, and washing machine hoses and lines. Maintenance sometimes consists of a drain and flush of the water heater. If you've purchased a plumbing maintenance plan, read the fine print and always ask for clarification.
  • Over Tightening Plumbing Connections
  • Using Inappropriate Tape or Wrapping a Thread Tape Backwards
  • Using Drain Line Cleaners as the First Option
  • Handling Plumbing Jobs without the Necessary Spare Parts
  • Failing to Turn Off Water
  • Using Excessive Force on Valves Stuck on Shut Off