Buying an apartment requires serious consideration because plumbing issues should be avoided. Pipes, faucets, and sewage often appear normal for inspection, but problems become noticeable only after homeowners move into the property. Does self-inspection of plumbing systems during property buying offer any value? Getting hidden defects requires you to consider a few things. A professional plumber should always handle such inspections for complete assurance. The following content explains what activities you can handle while identifying hidden problems and providing reasons for asking a professional.
What to look for: taps
The first thing to check is the taps. Turn them all on: in the bathroom, kitchen, and toilet. Open all faucets throughout the bathroom, kitchen, and toilet. Water flow quality rust and drip amount should become visible during this examination. Frequent humming sounds or water flowing in bursts from your faucet indicate potential pipe blocking or damage to the plumbing system. Open several taps simultaneously by turning on the bathroom and kitchen devices. If the pressure decreases, it could indicate a pipe or pressure problem.
Also, check for signs of leaks under the sink. Wet spots, rust, or mold are bad signs. Pay attention to the condition of the faucets: if they are old and shabby, they may need to be replaced soon. It’s not a big deal, but it’s better to know in advance so there are no surprises with the budget. If you need a plumbing inspection before you buy an apartment, contact Superior Plumbing. They will quickly assess the condition of the faucets, water pressure, and sewage system. For hidden problems, such as old pipes or leaks, trust their professional plumbing services.
Water pressure: is everything okay?
Water pressure is another important consideration. Low pressure can be annoying on a daily basis: the shower barely runs, and the washing machine takes a long time to draw water. Turn on the shower and see if the stream is strong. If the water barely drips, the problem may be clogged pipes, an old boiler, or the overall system of the house. In high-rise buildings, the pressure is sometimes weaker on the upper floors—it’s worth checking with the seller.
Try flushing the toilet several times in a row. If the water is collected slowly or the flush is weak, this signals possible problems. Water pressure depends on the apartment and the external system, but it is still worth checking. If something is wrong, a professional will be able to tell you more accurately.
Sewerage: are there any surprises?
Sewage can be a headache. Drain the water in the sink, bathtub, and toilet and see how fast it goes. If the drain is slow or gurgling is heard, it could be a blockage. In older homes, pipes are often overgrown with dirt, and this can be seen with the naked eye. Sniff near the drains—an unpleasant odour from the sewer indicates problems with the siphon or ventilation.
Another test is to turn on the water in several places simultaneously. If the water in the sink rises when you flush the toilet, the sewage system is not working properly. Such checks are simple, but they help you spot obvious problems. However, deeper issues are not visible without a specialist.
Frequent hidden problems
Plumbing likes to hide trouble that you can’t see right away. Old pipes are one of the main troubles. In houses that are more than 30 years old, there are metal pipes that are rusting and overgrown with scale. They may look normal, but they are on the verge of bursting inside. Replacing such pipes is expensive, so it’s better to know about them before buying.
Old pipes:
- In houses older than 30 years, metal pipes may be rusting and overgrown with scale.
- These pipes may look fine on the outside, but they are at risk of bursting inside.
- Replacing old pipes can be costly, so it’s better to identify these issues before purchasing a property.
Leaks:
- Wet floors or walls under the sink could be a sign of a small issue or a serious hidden leak within the wall.
- Leaks are often concealed behind tiles or furniture and can’t be found without special equipment.
Cracks in the sewer system or worn-out gaskets:
- These issues can cause odors or slow drainage.
- Such hidden defects cannot be diagnosed by yourself and require an experienced plumber to identify and fix.
Why is it better to take a plumber with you?
Checking the taps and water pressure yourself is possible, but this is only the tip of the iceberg. A professional sees what an ordinary person misses. He has tools like a pressure gauge to measure pressure or a camera to inspect pipes accurately. He will immediately tell you if the pipes are old if there is a risk of a breakthrough, or if the sewage system is in order.
A plumber also knows the weaknesses of old houses. In 70s panels, cast-iron pipes may be long overdue for replacement. In new buildings, on the contrary, they are plastic but poorly installed. The specialist will assess the condition and tell you how much the repair will cost if needed. Calling a professional before buying is like insurance against expensive surprises. You can’t make such conclusions on your own.
How to prepare for the inspection?
If you decide to check it yourself, take a flashlight with you—it will be easier to look under the sink or into corners. Ask the seller to turn on the water in advance so that everything is ready. Write down what you see: low pressure, odour, wet spots. This will help you discuss it with the technician or seller later. But if in doubt, don’t rely on yourself—it’s better to invite a specialist to give you an accurate picture.
What to do if you find problems?
If the inspection shows little things like a dripping faucet or a weak drain, you can fix it yourself or negotiate a discount with the seller. But it’s serious if the pipes are old, the sewage system is clogged, or the drain leaks. Call a plumber for a detailed inspection and repair estimate in this case. Knowing the problem’s extent, you can bargain or look for another apartment.
Conclusion
It is possible to check the plumbing before buying an apartment alone, but not completely. Taps, water pressure, and sewage give you a first idea of the condition, but hidden problems – old pipes, leaks, worn parts – cannot be found without a specialist. Self-checking helps notice obvious defects, but it is better to hire a plumber for peace of mind and accuracy. He will inspect you and tell you what to do next. Don’t risk your budget and nerves – call professionals so your new apartment doesn’t become a source of plumbing nightmares.
