Moving into your new home should be an exciting time for you and your family, so it is important to check that everything is working. You can commission a survey, but the plumbing of the house is not often checked.
The rules state that sellers must tell buyers about any issues with the house; however, they may not know about the issues or claim they didn’t know. Here are some plumbing checks you should do before you sign on the dotted line.
Boiler
All boilers should be serviced regularly, so check for a service record. If there isn’t one, ask the sellers when the boiler had its last service. They should also provide instructions and warranties with the boiler. If these aren’t available, a Gas Safe-registered plumber should perform a gas safety check.
You might need to replace the boiler, which can be expensive. Do some research to find a reputable company that offers boiler installation in Bristol and the surrounding areas, such as https://www.bristolboilerservice.co.uk/.
Water tanks
Water tanks are located in the airing cupboard or loft and their lifespan depends on a number of factors. Manufacturers display the serial and model number, so you will be able to check whether it needs replacing. You should also check for leaks and call a plumber if you suspect there are any problems.
Toilets
Checking the boiler and water tanks is something most new homeowners do; however, many forget to check the base of the toilets for leaks. If there is a leak, it might damage the floor and rot the floorboards.
Look for discolouration around the toilet and check the floor to see whether it feels loose or moves around the base of the toilet. The toilet bowl should not be able to move either – if it does, it is time to call a plumber.
Pipes
The most common issues with pipes are lead closet bends and galvanised water pipes. They can be useful in negotiating a price with the current owners and are relatively easy to fix. With so many types of pipe systems, it is a good idea to have everything checked.
Remember that these checks will save you time and money in the long run, so don’t delay in having the plumbing checked.