If you’re in the process of searching for a new home, one of the most important considerations you’ll have as you view your options is plumbing. Residential plumbing can make a huge difference in everything from functionality and utility costs to basic resident comfort, and you need to ensure that everything is in good shape here before you make an offer on a house.

At Whipple Plumbing, our experts can help with any questions you may have about important areas in your new home. Here are a few complimentary tips on what to check for.

Try Everything

Go to each bathroom in the home, and flush every toilet at least once. Look for things like a weak flush, extended run time or any gurgling or other noises that come from the toilet. These could be signs of leaks, tank problems or other issues.

In addition, turn all faucets and showers on and off at least once. Check the water pressure from each, and make sure there are no leaks or significant water losses taking place.

View the Water Heater

Water heaters are some of the most important parts of a home’s plumbing, especially over the winter. Ask your realtor if you can see the water heater, and inspect it for any corrosion or other buildup. Ask when it was most recently replaced and serviced, and check for any leaks or pools of water nearby.

Basements and Crawl Spaces

These areas are often overlooked on a home tour, but they matter. The basement and crawl space areas are often the first signs of leaky pipes and water damage, and you should inspect these to see if any of these issues are already at play.

Pipe Size and Material

Pipes that are too thin can lead to limited water pressure, so you should inspect their size. You’re looking for pipes that are at least three-quarters of an inch from the water source to the home, and at least a half inch to faucets.

In addition, say no to homes that have lead pipes. This is dangerous for adults and especially children, and unless you’re willing to replace all the piping yourself, you should stay away from it.

For more on what to examine during a home tour, or to find out about any of our other plumbing services, speak to the pros at Whipple Plumbing today.