New Homeowner’s Guide to Plumbing Inspections
December 30, 2019
Becoming a new homeowner in Seattle is an exciting time, but it can also feel stressful. Let Best Plumbing help relieve some of that stress with this new home plumbing inspection guide. Identifying problems in your plumbing now can save you a lot of time, money, and headaches down the road.
Water Heater
It’s important to take a look at your water heater when buying a new home. Look for any signs of corrosion, be sure to ask about the heater’s age, and verify the last time it was serviced. If the heater is older than 15 years, you’ll want to get a new one installed soon.
Sewer Line
Be sure to have your sewer line inspected with a camera before you move in. A video inspection will reveal if you have roots or other items intruding into your sewer line. Roots can result in serious blockages so it is important to check this sooner rather than later. Contact Best Plumbing to arrange a sewer line inspection for your new home today!
Water Pressure & Drainage
Testing the water pressure of your sinks and showers will not only help you determine if the pressure meets your personal standards, but it can also indicate if there is an underlying issue in your water lines.
In addition to testing the water pressure, be sure to flush the toilets, and run water through all of the sinks to make sure the drains are working properly. Afterwards, take a look at your pipes and any crawl spaces or basement areas where leaks may be an issue. You’ll be able to check that your water is running cleanly and properly and also ensure your pipes aren’t leaking.
Pipes
Makes sure to find out the age and material of your existing pipes, as this will dictate when you need to replace them in the future. This is primarily a concern if you aren’t buying a newly constructed house, as the pipes may not have been changed for some time.
If you discover you have lead pipes, galvanized pipes, or older brass or bronze fittings, be sure to get your water tested. While lead service lines have largely been removed from use, the pipes and fittings that were connected to the lead pipes might not have been. These pieces could have absorbed lead and, as they corrode, may now be releasing lead particles into the water supply. If your water test returns a lead concentration value greater than 15 parts per billion, call Best Plumbing to get your pipes replaced immediately.
Trust the Experts
This can feel like a daunting list. That’s where we come in. Serving the Puget Sound area since 1968, Best Plumbing is available for all of your plumbing needs! Contact us online or call us today at 206-633-1700 to arrange an inspection and we’ll take care of the rest.