Spring and summer are the most popular seasons to purchase a new home. However, even if you’ve had a professional home inspection, your new home could still be harboring plumbing problems. Many home inspectors only look for major issues and most are not experienced plumbers. Keep reading to discover how you can spot the signs that your new Memphis home might need a few repairs to avoid plumbing headaches in the future.

Old Water Heater

If possible, ask the previous owners when the water heater was installed. Water heaters are designed to last an average of 15 years; if the water heater was installed prior to 1999, it may be time to replace it. You can also check the quality of the water heater by opening a hot water tap and timing how quickly you get hot water. Make sure you can get hot water in every area of the home—a lack of hot water in certain areas of the home could indicate the need to insulate or replace the pipes.

Leaky Faucets

Take a long, hard look at each and every faucet and showerhead. Stay in the room for at least one minute to check for leaks and drips. Leaks are small problems that can be easily repaired, but they should be addressed quickly to avoid wasting water and increasing your utility bill. Additionally, ask about the age of the fixtures in the home if they appear older—you may want to replace older faucets and showerheads with low-flow fixtures to save even more water.

Poorly-Maintained Septic Tank

If your new home has a septic tank, you have every right to ask about its maintenance record. Septic tanks require annual inspections and should be pumped every one to three years. Poorly-maintained septic tanks can cause significant plumbing problems and are very costly to replace. Ask for the name of the plumbing company that previously serviced the septic tank if you need to double-check the owners’ records.

Standing Water

Standing water anywhere inside a home is cause for concern. Follow your inspector through the home or take your own self-guided tour to look for puddles or other signs of standing water. Check behind appliances and beneath toilets, which are two trouble areas that are often overlooked. Dark streaks on walls and ceilings, mold growth, a musty smell, high humidity, and spongy flooring are all signs of water damage. If you spot any of these signs or any other indications that worry you, contact a plumber to evaluate and remedy the issue.

Problematic Water Pressure

Water pressure is important for your comfort as well as the longevity of your plumbing. Pressure that is either too high or too low can indicate a problem with the plumbing. Check the water pressure at each sink, tub, and shower around the home. If the pressure appears too high, too low, or is inconsistent throughout the home, have a plumber check your system to identify the problem.

Whether you are moving within Memphis or you’re new to the area, your local Mr. Rooter plumber is here to help. We can fix any plumbing problem and provide you with the information you need to enjoy healthy home plumbing for decades. You can contact us online to schedule plumbing services at any time, or click through our blog for more helpful articles about plumbing repair and maintenance in Memphis.