5 Plumbing Company Things You Should Consider Before Buying A New Home | Bedford, TX
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Buying a new home is such a huge milestone in your life. It’s definitely something to be proud of. However, just because the house checks the boxes for having everything that you want, don’t rush into the sale.
Before signing the dotted lines and getting the keys to your new place, you should contact a plumbing company in Bedford, TX and have them inspect the home with you. Often, plumbing problems are difficult to detect until after you’ve moved into the new home. By then, you’re faced with costly plumbing problems that could ruin your moment of celebration.
In this article, we will look at five things that you should look for in plumbing before you make an offer.
#1. Leaks
When you’re inspecting the house or at a showing, you should make an effort to inspect all of the plumbing appliances, like the kitchen sinks and the faucets. In particular, you want to look for leaks.
The easiest way to do so is to turn on the faucet and let it run for a minute or two. Next, you want to see whether the faucet or any of the surrounding areas is leaking. You’ll also want to check underneath the cabinets as well. Often, the leaks will be hidden there.
You should ask the homeowners to repair any leaks before you move in. Make sure that the homeowners will be calling a reputable plumbing company in the area instead of attempting a DIY job.
#2. Insulated Pipes
Many people move into homes without seeing whether the pipes are insulated or not. Insulated pipes are much more energy efficient. Homes that already have insulation are ones that have been better kept. These pipes are also less prone to bursting. They’ll be able to withstand extreme weather with ease.
If the pipes are insulated, you should ask the homeowners which plumbing company they hired to get the job done. You should also ask about the type of insulation that they chose. Different types of insulation will have their own unique features, advantages, and drawbacks. You can learn a lot about the home from the type of insulation that surrounds the pipes.
#3. Type and Condition of the Pipes
Another thing that you should consider is the type and condition of the pipes. This is particularly important if you’re moving into an older home that was built prior to 1986. Many of these older homes have lead or galvanized plumbing. The main problem here is that lead is an environmental toxin. It’s best to look for a home that has either copper or PEX pipes.
You should also ask to see whether the homeowners have had any repairs in the recent past. If they have, the company that they hired should be able to provide some information on the condition of the pipes, like whether there are any areas that seem to be compromised or may need to be replaced in the near future.
#4. Type of Sewage System
Determine the type of sewage system that the home has. You want to figure out whether the home relies on a municipal sewer system or a septic tank. The latter will be a bit more problematic, as you’ll be responsible for the maintenance and repairs of the septic tank. In comparison, you’ll have fewer worries if the home relies on a municipal sewer system to get rid of waste.
If the home relies on a septic tank, find out where the tank is installed on the property. You should also figure out the capacity of the tank and whether it’ll be able to accommodate the needs of your household. If possible, go inspect the septic tank yourself or ask a plumbing company to do so. You want to look for standing water near the tank or noticeable odors. Both are signs that the septic tank is failing, and repairs can be very expensive.
#5. Condition and Type of Water Heating System Installed
Last but not least, you should also consider the type and condition of the water heating system that’s present in the home. Tankless water heaters are able to provide an endless supply of hot water. Because of this, many people are now interested in this technology, and homes with this type of water heating system tend to be more attractive.
If the home still uses a traditional hot water heating system that relies on the tank, you’ll want to see how big the tank is and whether it will be able to accommodate the needs of your family. You should also see where the tank is located and how old it is. The age is directly correlated to how long it will last.
You might want to contact a plumbing company to inspect the water heating tank. In particular, you should ask them to check for rust, corrosion, and mineral deposits. A plumbing company should be able to easily tell you how much life the tank still has. This is quite important since replacing a tank can be rather costly. After spending a fortune on your dream home, you might not necessarily have the budget for these additional repairs.
Get Professional Advice
When you make an offer, you should make an offer with conditions. A condition that you should set is that you have the right to call a plumbing company to do a thorough inspection before you agree to the sale price. You should specify that you can choose whichever plumbing company that you feel the most comfortable with. A reliable and experienced professional can look for plumbing problems that are easily missed by novices.
Tioga Plumbing & Electric has offered affordable plumbing services since 1953. We are a reputable plumbing company that services Bedford, TX, and many surrounding areas. We’re able to offer plumbing, electric, and glass services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year. Call us any time at 469-789-1292!