Summer is the season for homebuyers. Many new homebuyers aren’t aware of any plumbing issues until it’s too late. With this plumbing checklist you won’t have to worry about any unexpected leaks, faulty water heaters, or outdated plumbing happening in your dream home.
Check around the base of the toilet for rolled vinyl and black or white stains. These are all signs of water damage.
Inspect the floor surrounding the toilet. If it feels soft, it is probably rotting or weakened and will have to be replaced.
Make sure to look for leaky or loose tiles. Check for soft walls by pressing where the tile and bathtub meet. If they are soft, water may have created damage behind the tiles.
Inspect the garbage disposal and dishwasher for any leaks.
Check the cabinets for any warped wood or water stains.
Be sure to turn on all water fixtures in the bathroom and kitchen. If the water pressure is low the water piping may need to be replaced due to calcium and mineral deposits.
Check the basement plumbing for any leaks or repairs.
Check the date on the water heater. The first four numbers of the serial number are the month and year. Any water heater 15 years or older will need to be replaced.
If the water tank is rusty there will be plumbing and heating problems in the future.