Professional Home Pre-Inspection: Uncommon Plumbing Issues

The plumbing system should be thoroughly assessed before the purchase of a home to help you avoid potential issues such as low water quality and water damage to the property. It is important to hire a specialist plumber for the task to ensure that all weaknesses are detected. As the homebuyer, you will be able to recognise obvious problems such as leaks, clogged toilets and poor water pressure. However, there are other serious but more subtle problems that may escape your notice and potentially cost you in terms of repair and fines for violations. Here are some of the uncommon issues you should ensure that your plumbing service has evaluated.

Cross-Connection

A cross-connection refers to a link between water supply piping and possible sources of contamination. The physical connection is hazardous during backflow events where the water reverses through the cross-connection causing pollution of your household supply. The inspector should ensure that the house has does not have these unprotected connections and that there are appropriate backflow prevention features. These should be installed in compliance with the plumbing Australian Standards AS3500.1 and be well-maintained to mitigate the risk of local water reservoir contamination.

Pipe Problems

The plumbing inspector will also evaluate the condition of the pipes to ensure that they are functioning optimally. In addition to looking for leaks, they will also look for signs of corrosion and rust in metal pipes and fixtures. These are signs of degradation and can cause blockages and compromise water quality. Structural weaknesses due to impact stress on the pipes, general overuse and age will be noted so that you can possibly get a write-up for the cost. Moreover, pipes that pose environmental and health hazards such as lead products in old homes will also be identified.

DIY Projects

Most homeowners are taking up do-it-yourself plumbing projects to save money and the results are not necessarily good. You should avoid houses that have extensive and inadequate DIY repairs or make certain that the repairs after purchase are factored into the buying price. Inquire about the specifics of past repairs from your plumber, because widespread and long-term work could indicate an underlying problem.

Sewage

Your potential sewage system will affect your level of comfort in the house. If the property does not use the municipal sewer, there will be an installed septic tank. You should find out the location of the structure relative to the house and the servicing demands before you sign a contract for the property.