It’s time to move into your brand-new home. Everything is sparkling and bright, and you’re looking forward to problem-free first several years. After all, everything should be in great working condition. Not necessarily. The same repair and maintenance issues you’d confront in an older home may not be needed with a new home. But new homes can indeed have plumbing issues, which is why a new home plumbing inspection is essential.
Why is a plumbing inspection essential?
These days, builders are so rushed to get homes up and standing as quickly as possible. Because of that, workmanship isn’t always the best it can be. The builder might also use unqualified tradespeople to handle the plumbing rather than a certified plumber. Certified Plumbers will get the job done right the first time. As a result, a close look at all the plumbing before closing might be necessary.
Furthermore, you may notice problems shortly AFTER you move in, as it sometimes takes time for issues to appear. For that reason, you should be ready to bring in a plumber that can make repairs and adjustments or replace whatever is causing the problem.
Of course, caring for your plumbing system from the start also greatly impacts how long it’ll last and if it’ll serve you well.
Here are some of the most common plumbing issues found in new homes and how they can be identified.
1. Clogged pipes
Perhaps you’ve had issues with clogged pipes in an older home and thought you were done with this when you moved into a new house. However, due to issues with the builder, you could immediately notice problems created by a poorly plumbed home.
A licensed plumber could do a pre-move-in inspection with video equipment to identify any flaws that might affect your plumbing system and how well it works, including looking at underground pipes.
Remember, also, that after you settle in, you should do everything possible to avoid clogs, like being super careful about what you put down your drains.
2. Backed up drains
Did you know that construction debris can collect in your plumbing system and back up your drains long before you even receive the key to the front door? It’s true. Contractors aren’t always careful, and you may notice that water can’t flow through your pipes the way it should because of something that made its way into the drain.
Backed-up sewer lines can cause problems with the structure of your home due to potential water damage. In addition, it can be a health hazard due to the presence of stagnant water. So, if your water doesn’t seem to be flowing as it should during the early days in your new home, call a certified plumber to check for debris and other things that could be causing problems.
3. Leaky faucets
Just because a newly installed faucet doesn’t mean it won’t leak. You may notice a regular drip that you can’t control if it’s not installed properly. Even if you don’t immediately detect the drip, you may notice that your water bill is higher than expected.
There’s always an explanation as to why a faucet is leaking, so call your plumber before settlement to -take a look at all your fixtures and make any adjustments necessary to conquer the leaks before you move in.
4. Water heater problems
Sometimes builders don’t get the water heater right. Sometimes, they may wind up installing something too small for your new home. In that case, you could run out of hot water at the most inconvenient times!
Other problems could include leaks due to poorly tightened connections or improper installation. So, if you’re investing in a plumbing inspection, make sure examining the water heater is on the list.
5. A toilet that runs
It would be assumed that a newly-installed toilet should function perfectly, but that’s not always the case. When a valve doesn’t close tightly, the toilet “runs”, so to speak, which is not only annoying but could add to your water bill as well. So, ensure all toilets are inspected by your plumber during any pre-move-in inspection.
Trust the Professionals
A licensed residential plumber can put your mind at ease before you take possession of your new home by thoroughly inspecting pipes, drains, fixtures, and more. The inspection doesn’t take long and adds little to your costs, likely saving you money down the road should something be wrong with your plumbing system that remains undetected.
Urban Water Works is a full-service company staffed by experienced plumbers who can ensure everything in your new home is running properly, from your sinks to your toilets and even the underground pipes. To learn more about our inspection services, contact us at 604-790-8993.