Moving in is stressful enough as it is. On top of it all, you need to make sure that the new home isn’t hiding any nasty surprises.
Since most plumbing repair issues happen out of sight, we urge you to consider looking at your new home from the eye of a plumber. That’s why we’ve compiled this checklist of some things you should have a plumber inspect for your new home.
Leaks
If you want to double-check that all the leaks in the home have been accounted for, it’s not as difficult as you’d think. You simply have to check the water meter.
Make sure you’re not using any water, and then check the reading on the meter. Wait about two hours—ensuring that no one has used any water in the home during this time—and check it again. If the reading isn’t the same anymore, then it likely means there’s a leak.
Gas Line Inspection
Gas leaks in the home are a serious problem—enough to warrant emergency services. It’s unlikely that there will be a gas line problem in a home that has just been prepped for a new move-in, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Not only that, it’s possible that there could be a gas leak outside of the home. These leaks are harder to detect since they will disperse into the atmosphere quicker. This also makes them less likely to combust. Regardless, it’s not a risk you want to invite onto your property. Contact no one less than an expert of gas line repair in Santa Barbara if you need your gas lines inspected.
Sump Pump
Does the new home have a sump pump? Lucky you! If you’ve never had one before, you should know that they’re a great addition to protect your home from flooding and water damage.
As excessive amounts of water are poured into the sump, it will automatically be pumped out into a drain. This can save your crawlspace from incurring water damage and rot.
However, a sump pump is a preventive emergency device. It needs to be in good working order to perform its job. Test it out by pouring some water on it, or have it inspected by a plumber.
Water Heater
The water heater is one of your most important appliances, yet, it’s one that we tend to forget about in favor of our refrigerators and dishwashers. It’s not a bad idea to ensure that everything is in proper working order with your water heater. You can check:
- That the tank has recently been flushed
- If the thermostat is working (and that it’s set between 120°F and 140°F)
- The condition of the anode rod
- For leaks on the body of the water heater
Drains and Sewers
A plumber can check the condition of your drains and sewer lines with a simple video pipe inspection. These mini high definition cameras can inspect the lines to check for common problems like:
- Dirty drains
- Cracks and leaks
- Clogs and blockages
Need help with your inspection? Contact Husted Plumbing today to schedule an appointment.