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Many families are taking advantage of low interest rates along with other incentives, and are shopping for new homes.
With this potential rise in home buying, prospective purchasers must be fully aware of what they are getting into when buying a home.
For example, a recent study found that as many as 44 percent of consumers call a plumber within one year of faulty plumbing or water
leakage, often do not become evident until after the house is bought.
Toilets:
Check around the base of toilets for signs of water damage or soft floors.
Stand over the toilet and rocking back and forth on each foot.
If the floor feels spongy, it has probably been damaged.
(ask previous owner about any previous problems)
Check to see how fast the toilet flushes,
Check to see if toilet keeps running after flushed.
Bathtubs:
Check for leaky or looses tiles,
Press on the walls where they come into contact with the tub.
If they're soft, water has most likely caused damage behind the tiles.
Fill Tub up with water using the tub faucet & shower faucet,
Check water pressure in each.
Open tub drain, Check how fast water drains out of tub.
Water Supply Piping:
At the same time, turn water on in the bathtub and the kitchen sink,
If there is a noticeable reduction in the volume of water coming out of faucets,
the pipes may need to be replaced because of calcium, mineral and rust deposits.
Water Heater:
Check the date of the water heater (the first four digits of the heater's serial number are the month and year it was made) The average life
expectancy of Water Heaters are 12 to 15 years. A Water Heater that is over 15 years old or older needs to be replaced.
If the water heater vent ties into the chimney, verity that the chimney is lined. Look to see if a metal liner sticks out of the top of the chimney.
In the lower level of the house, make sure there is a drip tee sticking out of the chimney.
Cleaning aerator:
Low water pressure from the sprayer or water leaks from the handle, are usually caused by line buildup and sediment blocking the small
openings inside the sprayer head. Clean the head using the following steps:
By hand, carefully unscrew the aerator from the faucet turning counterclockwise. If it will not unscrew, wrap the jaws of your pliers with
masking tape. Carefully unscrew aerator, once aerator is removed from faucet run hot tap water thought aerator screen until rust & debris
is removed. Replace aerator back on faucet turning clockwise until tighten. Run water thought faucet.
Water Damage:
Look for cracks in your basement walls. If you notice water marks near them, it could be a sign of recent flooding. If you have a sump pump,
it would be installed below your basement floor so it collects and discharges any surface water that infiltrates the ground. To ensure it is
working properly and not clogged with debris, you can pour a few buckets of water into the sump pump and make sure it discharges the water
and shuts off without a problem. Protect your valuables by moving them from the floor to higher ground. Outside, be sure to clean out the
down spouts, making sure they are open and free of leaves and debris. Check yard drainage and clear any obstructions such as ice and debris.
Water Heater Danger:
Many household products like paint, lubricants and turpentine give off very flammable vapors and these vapors carry throughout the house.
You want to be sure to keep these products away from the water heater. If these vapors get near the pilot light they could cause an explosion.
Another danger associated with water heaters is scalding. Many families elevate the temperature of the water heater in order to use a smaller
capacity heater or deal with their change in water usage needs. If water heater thermostats are elevated, water may leave the tap at
temperatures of 130 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, capable of causing scald burns in mere seconds. You can decrease the risk of scalding by
taking these precautions.
Set the water heater temperature at 125 degrees Fahrenheit. Homes with peak usage periods or teenagers may require a larger capacity water
heater to maintain temperature. Children, people with disabilities and the elderly are at higher risk for scalding. These homes may want to keep
thermostat at 120 degrees Fahrenheit. You can install a safety devices such as tempering valves in faucets. These precaution can help to keep
you and your family safe from water heater related accidents.
Other Vital Tips:
Make sure the garbage disposer, ice maker and dishwasher drains are draining properly, water lines are connected properly with shut off valves
prior to each fixture. Use a flashlight to check washing machine hoses for rupture. Turn valves on and off to test for leaks.
Don't Let This Happen to your Home
Call (419) 472-0899
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