New Homebuyer’s Plumbing Checklist

The Money Pit wasn’t Tom Hanks’ best film or his most popular. But it resonates to this day with anybody who’s ever bought a house with high hopes only to find out that it wasn’t what it first seemed to be. If you’d like to spend more time enjoying your new home than on the phone with Ace Plumbing, start with these simple inspection tips while you’re touring homes with your realtor.

Home Plumbing Inspection for Amateurs

A home inspection is a vital part of the home buying process — more on that below — but it certainly helps to give things a once-over while you’re going through a home. The condition of the plumbing can be a good indication of how well the current owner was in the habit of maintaining their home.

• Flush the toilets, taking note of their flush strength, how long it takes them to re-fill, and whether they’re making any odd noises
• Run the faucets in each room, checking water pressure, making sure the water runs clear, and checking for odd smells like sulfur or chlorine
• Look at the shower head for signs of hard water deposits
• Check the cabinets or vanity under the kitchen and bathroom sinks, looking for signs of warping, discoloration, or other signs of leaks
• Take a good look around the water heater, making sure it’s a recent model, that the flame is blue, and that there are no signs of leakage or poor installation
• Look carefully at the floors around dishwashers, washing machines, and toilets; if you see discoloration or buckling, or if the floor seems uneven or soft, there’s a good chance there’s been a serious leak
• Check mains and drains for any signs of leaks, including puddles, mold, and mildew
• If the HVAC system is running, check the windows for signs of condensation and take note of any strange smells coming from the vents
• Ask about the age of key appliances, and whether the homeowner has their maintenance histories

Home Inspection

If you’ve missed something on your visual inspection during your tour of the home, don’t fret too much. Plumbing is a key part of the home inspection process required before the closing paperwork can be signed. Just be sure that the home inspector is someone acceptable to both parties — someone trustworthy and with a reputation for thoroughness.

Home Plumbing Repair

Ace Plumbing has gotten our fair share of calls from new homeowners who’ve had problems with their home plumbing soon after moving in. Murphy’s Law dictates that something’s bound to go wrong not long after move-in day, so keep our number handy if you need a plumber in the Sacramento area, including Fair Oaks, Woodland, or
Roseville. We offer 24-hour emergency service by qualified technicians, whether it’s a problem with your water heater, a need for HVAC service, or a slab leak. And if you’re dealing with a dated dishwasher or bathroom fixtures that are just plain ugly, we can help there, too!