If your house is more than about 60 years old, be sure to do an annual inspection to look at any exposed pipes?in basements, crawlspaces, and utility rooms?for signs of trouble.
Over the decades, the water pipes in your home gradually corrode.?Inspect plumbing regularly to determine if your pipes are in good condition, or if replacing plumbing is necessary. According to HouseLogic, replacing plumbing for a 1,500 sq. ft., two-bedroom, 1?-bath home costs $2,000 to $15,000 or more?a significant investment.
During your home inspection you can use these?4 easy things to inspect to see if your plumbing may be in need of attention:
Look for stains?on walls and on surfaces underneath plumbing pipes that indicate leaks. Even if drips aren’t apparent, stains indicate a past leak that signals future trouble.
Check the tubing?for discoloration, stains, dimpling, pimples, or flaking, which are all indications of corrosion. If you find irregularities.
Watch for leaks.?Even small ones that are easily repaired may be indicators that the time for replacing plumbing for your whole house is approaching. It’s likely that the original pipes in your home are the same vintage, made of the same material, and they’ve been subjected to the same water supply and usage patterns.
Look at the color of bathtub water?when you fill it?especially after a vacation when water has been sitting in the pipes for a while. If the water looks brown or yellow, what you’re seeing is rust, a sign of decay inside the pipes.
During your home inspection, make sure to take a moment to look at these key areas with your inspector to determine if the plumbing needs maintenance or a complete replacement.
For more helpful information on what to expect during your home inspection, visit our website atwww.homemd.com.
