If you are buying your first home, congratulations! It’s a big step, but with some careful planning, you will do just fine. Experienced homeowners may be able to tell you about common Kelowna plumbing problems they have experienced in their home, but often signs of those troubles require living in the space for a while.
To avoid buying plumbing trouble when shopping for a home, we have some ideas about what you should be on the lookout for in addition to an open layout and a two-car garage.
Fresh Paint on the Ceiling
Many homeowners will apply a fresh coat of paint before listing a home for sale, but few will go to the trouble of painting the ceiling – especially if it’s only in one area. If that area happens to be directly below the kitchen or a bathroom, that’s a sign there has been a previous leak. Be sure to ask about it before putting in an offer.
Low Water Pressure
Try flushing the toilet and turning on the tap right after. If there’s only a trickle coming out, know that there is some work that can be done to increase water pressure, but none of those fixes come cheap. Low water pressure may not seem like a big deal, but once you’re living in a house where you can’t brush your teeth upstairs because the dishwasher is running on the main floor, it can quickly become the bane of your existence. Proceed with caution!
Inspect the Water Heater
It’s easy to forget about the water heater because it’s tucked away in the basement, but a crack can lead to flooding and replacement can be expensive. Check to see how old it is (there is usually a tag left behind at installation) and look for signs of a broken water heater like rust or peeling of the finish. It might not be a reason to pass on your dream home, but an impending charge for repairs or hot water heater replacement could give you some leverage in negotiating an offer.
Taking the time to look for signs of Kelowna plumbing problems when you’re buying a home can help you avoid a costly mistake. However, we believe that no plumbing problem is too big to overcome. Call us at (250) 681-0089 for answers to all of the questions you might think to ask of a Kelowna plumber.
