For most people that are buying a home, it’s probably the largest purchase you’ll ever make. Additionally, it’s one of the most exciting and most stressful times. Taking a house and making it a home is something everyone looks forward to. With all the excitement, we can lose sight of unexpected plumbing problems. Every home will have an inspection report, but no one will have your back more than you. When buying a home, have your plumbing checklist ready and make sure all the boxes get checked.
Sellers Can Use A Plumbing Checklist
A plumbing checklist could also be a useful selling tool for a seller. For example, in most instances, the buyer will pay for a home inspection, but there are some sellers who would rather have their own home inspection completed before their home goes on the market. Similarly, that includes going through a complete plumbing checklist. This will give the homeowner a chance to complete all the repairs, also showing good faith to a possible buyer.
All Toilets Must Use 1.6 Gallons A Flush Or Less
First, check each toilet in the house. The sellers are not required to replace toilets, but you want toilets to run properly. Put a couple of drops of food coloring in the tank and wait for half an hour. If the toilet bowl water changes to the color of the dye, then your toilet leaks. Another thing to keep in mind is that toilets that were made before 1994 use way too much water. The Energy Policy and Conservation Act passed in 1994, ordered that all toilets sold in the U.S. must not use more than 1.6 gallons per flush. The average family of four uses 400 gallons of water per day, and 25% of that’s flushed down the toilet. The point is, you don’t want toilets using excessive amounts of water. Another fact that is an eye-opener is 14% of the water used derives from leaks.
Water Heaters Are Part Of Your Plumbing Checklist
Next on your plumbing checklist is the hot water heater. Thoroughly check the water heater for any signs of rust or leaks. Ask for an install date. Depending on the type of water heater, you can usually get the date from the manufacturer’s label that sits right above the energy guide. Snap a picture of the manufacturer’s name and label. Search online for “how to get” the install date of that water heater using the manufacturer’s name. Each manufacturer has its own method of showing install dates, but it is well documented online. At ten to twelve years old, a water heater has generally reached its lifespan.
Ask How Old The Home Is And If The Pipes Ever Been Replaced
Pipes should be a big concern. Keep in mind that copper and galvanized pipe’s lifespan is 40 to 50 years and copper is 50 to 70 years. When you’re going through your plumbing checklist, ask how old the home is, and if the pipes ever been replaced. If the house still has galvanized pipes, then the pipes are at least sixty years old or older and should be replaced.