There's a lot more that goes into a home inspection by a plumber than just looking for leaks. They're going to be looking at everything from the drainage system and water pressure to the type of material used in your pipes.

So what are some of the reasons why a plumber might inspect a home? Keep reading to find out!

The Plumbing, What About It?

Why has a plumber inspected a house you plan to buy? The simple answer is that the plumbing in many homes is outdated, and often in need of repair or replacement. The sewer system is usually the first to show signs of wear and tear and can be a costly repair.

A thorough check of drains and plumbing are not typically included in a pre-purchase building inspection, so it's important to have them inspected before making an offer on a home. Down to Earth Plumbing and Maintenance has heard several tales from clients who failed to do this, and ended up with costly repairs down the road.

Have you ever had a blocked drain, faulty plumbing, or damaged pipes? These can cost a fortune to repair. Not to mention the potential harm it could do to your new home, your belongings, and possibly your neighbours' belongings—not a good start for cordial neighbourly relations.

Before buying a house, you can perform a few quick inspections. The following are some items to consider before buying a house.

If you use our checklist, it won't take long, will offer you peace of mind, and could prevent thousands of dollars in plumbing issues down the road:

Hot Water System

Anytime you're considering purchasing a home, one of the most important factors to consider is the age and condition of the home's major systems. Has a plumber inspected the property's water heater? The average lifespan of a residential water heater is just 10 years, so if the unit is nearing the end of its life, you'll need to factor in the cost of replacement.

Even if the unit is newer, it's still important to take note of its location—if it's located inside the home, there is a risk of extensive water damage in the event of a leak. To get an idea of what you might be facing in terms of replacement costs, a new hot water system-fully installed-can range anywhere from $1700 to $3500.

With this in mind, it's always best to consult with a professional before making any decisions.

Water Hammer

Water hammer is a serious issue that can lead to pipe failure and other problems. If you hear a hammering sound when the water is running, it's important to have a plumber inspect your home as soon as possible.

A plumber can determine the cause of the water hammer and make recommendations for ways to fix the problem. In some cases, simply restoring water pressure to the proper level can solve the problem.

In other cases, more extensive work may be necessary. Either way, it's important to have a professional take a look at your home so that you can avoid any further damage.

Water Leaks

One of the main things a plumber will look for is water leaks. Water leaks can cause serious damage to your home if they're not fixed quickly.

Look for any indication of water damage or water sitting on a surface near taps and under sinks. You might be able to trace the water's path and determine its source.

A leaky tap is simple and inexpensive to fix, but if it has been ignored, it may be leading to more serious issues like destroying the vanity or weakening the floor.

The flooring and subfloor might suffer significant damage from a leaking toilet. Examine the area around the toilet's base for discoloration or warping, and note whether it feels flimsy or moves when you stand on it.

Additionally, try to move the toilet bowl. If it moves, the seal may be compromised, the flange may not be fastened, or the toilet bowl may not be fastened to the flange. Don't ignore water leaks - fix them as soon as possible to avoid costly repairs down the road.

Noises

Noises in your plumbing system can be a cause for concern. Gurgling sounds when water drains could indicate a blockage. This could be due to grease, oil, soap scum, or hair build-up in the drain, or it might mean there are tree roots and/or pipe cracks.

An overflowing blocked drain could ruin your home and cause misery, so it's best to get it checked out by a professional if you're concerned. Noisy pipes can also be caused by loose connections.

If you hear banging or rattling coming from your pipes, it's likely that they've become dislodged and need to be tightened. Again, this is something best left to a professional plumber.

If you're hearing any strange noises coming from your plumbing system, don't hesitate to call a plumber for help.

‘Extra Healthy’ spots of grass and trees

Healthy grass and trees are key indicators of a healthy lawn. If you notice any ‘extra healthy’ spots of grass or trees, it's a good idea to check the sewer lines to see if they are in good condition.

If the trees along the sewer pipe are in prime condition compared to others on your property, this may indicate that tree roots are feeding heavily from the sewer pipes after penetrating them. Additionally, healthy grass patches can indicate an outside overflow.

If you notice any water sitting on the lawn's surface or any strange odours, it's important to investigate further to see if there are any clogged drains. Clearing and fixing clogged drains can be costly, so it's best to prevent them from happening in the first place.

We hope you found our post on the reasons why a plumber inspects a house informative and helpful. If you have any questions or would like more information, please don't hesitate to contact us. At Down to Earth Plumbing Maintenance, we're always here to help. Thanks for reading!