The housing market is still in a bit of a crazy place, so we understand if you’ve got a lot of other things on your mind as a new homeowner. Many works in progress are being bought with the idea that the new homeowner will be able to fix them up. If you have experience with contractors and you’re willing to spend the time and money on a home project, then we commend you! However, as your local plumber in Bloomington, IL, this is an area that we’d like to help with.
Plumbing systems in homes can vary in condition. In some cases, the house will look refurbished and beautiful, but the plumbing system will be in very rough shape. In other situations, the house might be a bit of a work in progress, but at least the plumbing system is good and efficient. Today, we want to help you figure out which category your home fits in.
1. Check for Lead or Galvanized Steel
Lead pipes haven’t been installed in homes since the 60s. It can be poisonous when used to transport fresh water, and there are just better, more affordable options on the market at this point.
Galvanized steel is another type of pipe that’s not used anymore. They can easily corrode from the inside, unlike copper pipes, and while your galvanized steel pipes might look good on the outside, they might be already halfway rotted.
Make sure you get these old pipes replaced soon.
2. Label Your Valves and Pipes
Purchasing a home can be an exciting experience, but sometimes it can be confusing when you’re trying to evaluate the status of a plumbing system. Once the house is finally yours, make sure you contact a plumber and have them label all of the valves, pipes, and systems in your home so you can better be aware of how it’s all working. When you’ve got a leak or a problem, it will make it easier to tell a professional what’s wrong if there’s a label.
3. Light Up Your Basement and Crawlspaces
Plumbing systems require attention every once in a while, whether that’s checking for leaks or making sure that a pipe is in good shape. This is only possible with proper lighting. Why not set up some portable lights in your basement or crawlspace so you can easily examine your pipes, or to make it easier for a professional when they come to evaluate your plumbing?
4. Check for Over-Engineered Plumbing
Do you notice a pipe that’s not particularly connected to anything? Or how about a loop of flexible water lines that seem to be twice as long as they need to be? Well, this is what we would consider “over-engineered plumbing,” and it’s usually a sign that an amateur was working on this plumbing system at one point. Not only is that a bad sign, but it’s something that should be addressed. Make sure you’ve got a professional plumber on hand to check out your home and make sure there aren’t any other faulty or over-engineered components.
Need help with your new home’s plumbing system? Call Pipeworks Inc.