Prospective home buyers have a lot of factors to consider before making the final decision to purchase a house. Ideally, the building offers move-in condition, allowing the new owner to take up residence a soon as possible. One important step to take before purchasing a home is to check the plumbing system to make sure that everything is in order. Four situations provide red flags that something is amiss and a professional inspection is needed.

Faulty Water Flow
If you turn on one of the faucets and the water flow is minimal, it is an indication that the plumbing system needs maintenance or repair. If the problem exists in more than one area of the home, it might be a serious issue that you should avoid by looking at different properties and giving up on the one that you are looking at currently.

Faulty Black Water Lines
One of the best ways to evaluate the plumbing system’s ability to remove black/grey water is to flush the toilet. Observe how easily the water goes down and take note of any seepage around the base of the toilet. You should also fill up one of the sinks and watch it drain. Be sure to walk around the perimeter of the basement as well as the outside of the home in search of wet spots.

No Hot Water
If you turn on the faucet that is supposed to deliver hot water and you don’t get any, it’s time to check all of the sinks, showers, and bathtubs in the house. If you can’t get any hot water at any of these locations, it is possible that the hot water heater is broken. You should request that repairs or replacement be handled and are made a contingency of any offer that you provide.

Leaks
Minor leaks can usually be repaired with the simple replacement of a washer. However, multiple leaks are indicative of a more serious issue, particularly if they create puddles or wet spots on the walls, floors, or ceilings.

If you are buying a home, it is important to check out the plumbing system to see if it is in good working order. Whether you try out the faucets and flush the toilet on your own or you bring in a professional plumber for a thorough inspection, an evaluation of the plumbing equipment should be a part of your decision-making process. If you aren’t in love with the property, continuing your search might be the wiser choice to make.