Moving into a new house with plumbing problems is a stressful and hassle situation nobody wants to experience. Not to mention it is costly and takes away the joy of achieving a new milestone, which is moving into a new place.

That said, here are a few common home plumbing issues along with a brief explanation on how you can avoid them.

Roof Replacement

A leaking roof is a hassle. If not resolved quickly, it could prompt electrical hazards as well as water stains on surfaces like carpet and natural stone.

As such, before you make that purchase, it is important to conduct a thorough house inspection first—and that includes the roof. 

A standard roofing material has a lifespan of 20-25 years. But that does not mean you have to wait that long to replace it, particularly if it is worn and rusty already.

A pre-purchase inspection report should tell you about a faulty roof, although it would not provide useful information about the condition of a roof, such as the age or quality of tiles used. It is where it is important to get an independent building inspection report that includes the roof, completed by a suitably qualified professional like a licensed builder, surveyor or architect.

Poor DIY Plumbing Jobs

You may think you are buying your dream home only to find that there are poorly executed renovations, DIY plumbing repairs that need immediate fixing, and water damage to the plasterboard. Particularly when it comes to plumbing, a DIY job can cost more than when they are handled by a professional plumber in the first place!

All these nightmares can be avoided if you know the history of the home you are planning to buy. As such, it is recommended to ask questions first, such as the last time the past owner made some repairs, as well as who is the contractor or repairman.

If you are advised that repairs were not performed by a licensed contractor, then think twice before you buy into a newly renovated home.

Unexpected Flood

Inevitably, a single leak can cause unexpected flooding if not fixed immediately. No leak is minor when it comes to plumbing, and as a homeowner, you should always be aware of your home's main valve so that you can quickly shut off the water in case of an emergency.

Besides damaged pipes, other causes of home flooding can include clogged rain gutters, inadequate drainage or, even more costly, a damaged foundation. Outside circumstances like wild weather can cause flooding even to the most robust houses; how can you detect potential flooding vulnerabilities before moving into a new home?

You can obtain information on whether your potential property is in a flood risk area using the Australian Flood Risk Information Portal Again, getting a qualified professional to inspect a house may provide useful information to assess flood risks, such as the quality of a home drainage system and a house's foundation.

Old Hot Water Unit

You would hate to have settled into your new home only to discover a few months down the track that your hot water system needs to be replaced. When you go to look at a property, tell-tale signs that you may have an old hot water unit include rust on the bottom of the tank and/or visible leaking.

Is there a one-sized solution?

Professional plumbers estimate that major plumbing repairs, such as a sewer line or the replacement of a septic tank can cost anywhere between $25,000 to $50,000. Replacing a roof can put you out of pocket $30,000, depending on its size.

If it all sounds too expensive then the good news is that there is a way to avoid a plumbing nightmare when moving into a house. Finding a trusted and reliable plumber can save you thousands of dollars in potential repairs if they can detect what needs to be repaired before you sign a contract. It can also put you in a better bargaining position to significantly lower the asking price of a property if you can detect hidden plumbing system issues that you don't mind having to have repaired after you move in.

Level Plumbing Canberra knows what to look for when assisting potential owners in inspecting a property. Avoid the pitfalls of buying into a plumbing nightmare, and contact us at 6188 6088 today.