When buying a home, there are many things you will want to check out. The plumbing system is one of these things. Many things you will be able to inspect yourself, but others may require you to hire a plumbing service in Boca Raton, FL. Review this list of things to watch for, and ascertain your knowledge level to determine what you can do yourself and what you should hire a professional for.
The first thing you should do is locate the home’s water meter, and determine if the shut-off valve is working properly. Once you locate the valve and shut it off, no water should be coming out of any tap, inside or outside.
The second thing to identify is whether or not any lead pipes are installed in the home. Many homes built before 1986 have lead piping, which has since been identified as a toxin. If you find the home has lead plumbing, this will be something you want to have changed before finalizing the purchase of the home. Contact a reputable plumbing service in Boca Raton, FL to help.
Next, you will want to find out the size of the pipes in the home. This determines the overall water pressure. For adequate pressure, you want water lines to be at least ¾” to 1” from the main source of water, with the diameter being a minimum of ½” in order to allow for enough water flow for proper use. A professional plumbing service in Boca Raton, FL will also suggest that you inspect the hot water heater. See if the tank is large enough for your family’s needs, and look for mineral build-up or deposits in the tank. Any corrosion of the tank’s critical elements can lead to problems, and are a signal that a new hot water tank may be in order.
If you live in a climate that is prone to freezing weather, make sure that the pipes are well insulated and protected from freezing in cold temperatures. This includes wells and the pipes that flow from them. Sewage systems also should be inspected, especially if a septic tank is in place. For these systems, it is recommended that you utilize the expertise of a good plumbing service in Boca Raton, FL, as the ramifications of problems with a septic system can be extremely severe.
This is an overview of the main things to look for when buying a home. Make sure to use a good plumbing service for any portion of the inspection that you are not qualified to perform yourself. If you are searching for excellent plumbing services for residential & commercial purposes, visit Moody Plumbing Inc.
