If you are buying a home, whether it is your first home or you have owned property before, you may find it challenging to remember every aspect to which thought must be given. Owning a home means taking on many different responsibilities. However, if you learn the basics of your property’s various systems, you can make the settling-in process a bit less daunting. Understanding new home plumbing and how it functions can be a bit overwhelming, but if new house plumbing problems occur, you can count on the professionals at griffinplumbingky.com to come to your rescue. We offer a variety of services from repairs to maintenance, and when the time comes for you to hire a new house plumber, we are only a phone call away. The following are some tips that are particularly helpful for first-time homeowners:
FAMILIARIZE YOURSELF WITH YOUR HOME’S PLUMBING HISTORY
As a first-time homebuyer, you may find that the history of your home is a fascinating subject. However, you are likely not thinking much about your dwelling’s plumbing history. For example, you may have no idea how old your pipes are or whether or not the pipe’s joints are being crowded out by shifting soil or the roots of trees. If you have not yet finalized your purchase, you should inspect the home’s pipes and learn everything you can from your realtor or the property’s former occupants. If you know the history of certain issues and understand what to watch out for, you will be in a better position to make wise, informed decisions about any new house plumbing problems that may arise.
LOOK FOR COMMON PLUMBING WARNING SIGNS
Fortunately, there are telltale signs of new house plumbing problems and if you know what they are, you can sometimes head off minor issues before they become major repairs. Below are some signs to watch for and what they typically indicate:
• Faucets that run in an erratic manner, may indicate a leak in the line.
• A blocked toilet may be a sign of an obstruction in the sewer.
• If your garbage disposal clogs easily, it may have been overused in the past and maintenance should be performed before you begin using it regularly.
• A sudden increase in your water consumption, which will typically be obvious when you get your bill, could mean a major water leak exists somewhere in the system and this should never be ignored. Following the above plumbing first-time home buyer warning signs will help prevent major problems in the future.
ADDITIONAL PLUMBING TO INSPECT PRIOR TO PURCHASE :
OUTDATED SEWAGE SYSTEM
Investing in an older home can save you a considerable amount of money, provided you make the necessary repairs before major problems occur. When considering your dwelling’s plumbing system, one of the most important things to discover is its age. If it is an old sewer system, it is definitely a wise course of action to call us and have a simple sewer camera inspection completed so that hidden problems can be uncovered and addressed.
Most sewer systems exit the dwelling at the home’s lowest point. If it is a county or city system, the wastewater will eventually make its way to a city main. Septic systems on the other hand allow the sewer water to run into a field where a larger tank is stored or into your own tank located on your property.
If you have a septic tank, observe the area for seepage of any kind–even if it looks like clear water–and for unpleasant smells. These are signs that you should give us a call, as something may be going wrong with the system. Sewage lines in any type of system can also become damaged or clogged from nearby roots from trees or plants. Additionally, old lines that have deteriorated can disintegrate, ultimately allowing sewage to back up into your new dwelling.
WATER HEATER PROBLEMS
Although the lifespan of water heaters is typically generous, they do eventually fail. To determine whether you need a new house plumber for your water heater, look around the bottom of the unit and try to detect if any leaks are present. If even a small leak is discovered, a professional should be contacted.
A professional can also determine whether or not the water heater has the appropriate capacity for the home. Sometimes a home with a soaking tub or Jacuzzi will feature a unit that is undersized for that much water volume. You may be able to get helpful information from the previous residents. For example, after children have moved on to college and fewer people live in the home, a couple or a single person may install a smaller unit to save money. It is always a good idea to have the unit size evaluated by a knowledgeable individual.
RUNNING TOILETS
Toilets that constantly run should never be ignored. This is because such leaks often appear insignificant or small. While it is true that in most cases the unit simply needs the flapper or chain replaced, it may also be a sign of a bigger problem. If the commode begins leaking around the bottom, this should never be ignored even for a short length of time. Such a leak can damage the floor’s finish and even cause structural problems in the subfloor.
Our professional plumbers know how to fix such problems quickly and efficiently. All seals and gaskets should periodically be inspected as well and replaced if necessary. Maintenance such as this will ensure that minor problems are caught early when repair costs are low.
POORLY INSTALLED WATER PIPES
Finally, leaking pipes can lead to serious moisture damage and eventual damage to the overall structure of your home. Always look for warning signs such as tiny leaks, worn or corroded pipes, and rusty or corroded joints–particularly elbow joints which have a tendency to rust faster than other fixtures. If your home’s supply pipes are galvanized, they are likely fairly old and may need to be replaced in the near future.
If the home’s drains seem restricted when water is flowing down, the pipes may no longer be big enough to sustain the amount of water being used in the dwelling. In addition, proper installation is required for the pipes, as this will keep them from freezing or even bursting and save you money in the process. If you have purchased a very old home that features asbestos insulation, do not attempt even the simplest DIY project. Rather, call a professional who has the equipment and tools to properly approach the situation.
A home is one of the biggest investments you will ever make, so it is important to know in advance what you are dealing with regarding repairs and new home plumbing problems. Always contact a professional at griffinplumbingky.com to evaluate, maintain and repair your home’s plumbing system. We are only a phone call away and are ready to assist you in any way necessary.
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