Looking for a new place in the mountains to call home? Your Tuolumne County dream house may include a big yard opening to the pines, walk-in closets, maybe a large deck to take in the mountain scenery, but fully functional plumbing is also high on the list of must-haves. Before you sign the real estate contract, make sure you’ve given your new home a thorough once-over. Robertson Plumbing recommends taking a close look at the following:
Indoor Plumbing Checklist
- Run all the faucets (sinks, showers, and tubs). Test out both the hot water and the cold water in each. Make sure there’s sufficient water pressure. If the water pressure is low, it’s a possible sign of a bigger issue. When you turn off the faucets, check that they don’t drip.
- Make sure all drains are working properly.
- Flush all the toilets. Try to wiggle the toilets and sinks — they should stay firmly in place.
- Check the flooring around toilets and sinks, as well as the dishwasher and refrigerator, to make sure there is no staining or warping. Floors should feel solid with no soft spots.
- In a multi-story house, check the ceiling underneath bathrooms or laundry rooms for wet spots or staining.
- Inspect the water heater. Make sure it’s free of corrosion and rust and that it isn’t dripping or leaking. Consider where the water heater is located. Is it convenient?
- Check the entire house, especially bathrooms and kitchen, for mold or mildew spots. Musty odors are also a sign of leaks or water damage.
- Find out where the emergency shut-off valve is and test it to make sure it’s working properly. Many times there is a main shut-off by the road and other at the house.
- If there is a crawlspace or basement, inspect it for leaks, damage, or past faulty repairs.
Questions to Ask About the Home’s Plumbing
- When it comes to pipes, what type of material the plumbing pipe is made of and the size does matter. You want to make sure you’ve got at least ¾” pipe connecting your water source to your home and ½” pipe to the faucets. Ask what material the pipes are made of, when they were installed.
- Ask how old the water heater is and when it was last serviced. If it is old or appears to be in poor repair, ask for it to be replaced. Newer water heaters can also save on your electricity or gas bill because of the advances which have made them more efficient.
- Ensure the hot water heater is up to code if you’re looking at an older home.