For the new homeowner there are so many unexpected plumbing issues that the average person should be aware of however, it is common that they come as surprises if you have limited experience. There are a few key items you should factor when performing the home inspection process which may save your thousands of dollars!
First we will look at the water main which brings the clean water into the house for showers, washing hands, dishes etc. It may sound silly but it is important you confirm the house has running water. There is always a possibility that the house was vacant and for a reason you may not be aware of, the city turned the water off from the street. In this case you would be required to replace the entire water main if the water has been off for more than two years.
Next you should inspect to determine if the house has a water meter and if not, what is the reason? It is suggested that you have a meter installed prior to moving in and even check with your city to see if they have a program for free meter installations.
The most common issue people find with their water main is that the pipe is made of lead. Outside of the health risk, a lead pipe is more susceptible to leaking in the near future and should be replaced.
The final factor to inspect with your water main is the pressure, do you have sufficient pressure in the home? Does the existing water main size allow for adequate pressure after you install new plumbing fixtures? If you have any questions specific to pressure or the size of your pipe it is important to consult with a licensed plumber.
When dealing with your sewer line it is highly suggested that you have a sewer camera inspection completed on the sewer line. Oddly enough this is not a common practice for home inspectors but it does tend to be a reoccurring issue once the family moves in the house and starts to use the sewer on a regular basis. Once the entire family is in, the water is on and the broken sewer line now starts to cause a sewage back up. Nobody was aware of the issue prior because the house was vacant, the previous owners didn’t want to mention it or simply were not aware of it as they may have used less water than an entire family.
If you have any concern regarding your water main or sewer services please speak with your licensed plumber to assist in understanding all details associated with your home.
