Purchasing and owning a home is one of the ‘Great Australian Dreams’. But while the thought of finally having your own home is exciting, the process of finding the right one for you and your family can be stressful and time-consuming. If you know what you need to look for, this doesn’t always have to be the case. Beyond the interior design and features, it’s also important to do a few maintenance checks to be aware of the condition of the house.
Failing to look into the house thoroughly can turn your dream home into a costly nightmare. We’ve created a checklist below to help you with the important plumbing and gas issues that you need to look out for.
Hot Water Unit
Check the existing hot water unit to see if it needs to be repaired or replaced. Know the type of hot water unit installed and its age. Hot water units can generally last around 8 to 12 years. If the house you are inspecting is more than a decade old, it’s best to ask if the hot water unit has been the same since or has already been replaced recently.
Test its condition by opening the taps in all bathrooms, kitchen, and laundry to see how long it takes for the water to get hot and how hot it gets. Does the hot water system have a pilot light? If it goes out, the burners won’t ignite and the water will be cold.
For a more accurate assessment of the hot water unit, contact a licensed plumber and gas fitter for a recommendation.
Kitchen
Are the kitchen appliances powered by gas or electricity? Learning what type they are can help you to know what to check and what to expect in terms of maintenance.
Are the ignitors working? How about the stove burners, oven burners, and grill – are they working properly?
Check the water pressure of the kitchen taps and also look out for leaks. Check under the sink to see if there are any leaks. If there’s a dishwasher, test if it’s in good working order.
Bathrooms and Toilets
Again, check for leaks. Are the toilets flushing correctly? Check the condition of the taps and shower rose and see if they are easy to turn on and off and if the water coming out of them is clean. If you see rust or discoloured water, there might be something wrong with the water pipes or tank.
Gas and Water Mains
You should know where the gas and water mains are located, as well as their shutoff valves. You should also be able to identify if a pipe is for water or gas. Knowing where the mains are can help you to detect leaks and locate them easily. If unsure, it’s best to contact a licensed plumber and gas fitter to ensure a safe inspection.
Gutters and Downpipes
Check the condition of the house’s rainwater system. Make sure that the rainwater is going where it’s supposed to go and that there are no rust and leaks in the gutters and downpipes. Do the roof downpipes run to the stormwater drains? If you can, it’s better to visit the house and take a good look while it’s raining. That way, you’ll see if they are working properly. Look out for water leaking out of the downpipe joints and gutter and running down the wall, as well as water pooling around the base of the downpipe. Also, look out for water stains on the ceiling and walls.
Wastewater System and General Checks
Is the house part of a sewer system or does it have a septic tank system? Some neighbourhoods are on sewer systems, while others rely on septic tanks. The difference between the two is that septic tanks are independent of other houses, while sewers are shared by all the houses in the neighbourhood. Furthermore, if the house uses a septic tank, you will most likely need to have it pumped periodically.
Other things you also need to look out for in and around the house include ventilation in wet areas – do you notice any mouldy walls? Lifting tiles and peeling paintwork are also telling signs of leaks and flooding, especially if you see water pooling in some areas.
Link Plumbing and Gas Service can Help with Your Inspection
If you’re ever in doubt, contact our team at Link Plumbing and Gas Service to help you assess the plumbing and gas systems in your potential future home. Contact us at 6252 0326 or email us at admin@linkplumbing.net.au.