It's not uncommon to be excited when you buy a new home, but the excitement can quickly sour when you realize that your plumbing is in shambles. So just what should you know about plumbing?
Well, before we go any further, let's explore some of the things that can cause plumbing disasters. These include the age of your current pipes and water fixtures, damage from past flooding or burst pipes, a lack of insulation or air sealing around your plumbing system and more.
This is just a partial list. Sometimes plumbing problems are caused by tree roots and nails that have grown over time, people who don't know how to properly vent water systems or water heaters, or by negligent use of repair materials in your plumbing or drainage system.
All in all, these are repairs.If you call professional plumbers to put in new plumbing fixtures and make a few simple repairs, you'll have a better system for the future.
While I'm an advocate of learning how to do some repairs yourself, I don't mean to imply that you can skimp on the installation of plumbing for your new home.
So what should you expect when it comes to installing plumbing for your new home?
Although each area has certain specifications, these are the minimum requirements: All pipes and fixtures must be installed according to local codes. It's a good idea to visit with the building inspector and get a code book if you haven't done so in the past. Make sure your new home is properly vented. This means that cold air is removed from kitchens and bathrooms, and that warm air is prevented from flowing into the walls. Your furnace should have the right heating capacity for your home and the right type of system for the area you live in (natural gas or propane, electric or oil). If you don't know what to look for, hire an expert plumber. Your new home should have an adequate amount of insulation. Again, this is a code requirement, but it's also one you should follow for your comfort. It's a good idea to be sure that your home has proper ventilation (see above). Your new home should be properly plumbed before you move in (this can be tricky if you're doing the work yourself on a beautiful day with lots of sun). You should have a reliable plumber for plumbing work. Your plumbing should be vented properly and your vent pipes should be even with the roof line.
If there are any major leaks in your home, make sure they're patched before you move in. Occasionally, a new house will have some drainage problems that you won't find until several months after you move in. These can be bad enough to need a complete overhaul of the drainage system for the house.
If you find any of these problems when inspecting your new home, don't hesitate to make the seller fix them before you close escrow. If you close before the repairs are made, you have the right to back out of the sale. You might be able to get out of a contract if your inspector finds major problems, but it's best not to take chances when it comes to plumbing.
If you're having a house built, it's wise to hire an experienced general contractor who can oversee the installation of your plumbing. This is especially important in areas where different contractors do the plumbing work. It's best to hire the same contractor who plumbs your house throughout the entire process.
If you're planning to do your own plumbing work, check with the building department in your area for any local code requirements. Also, be sure that you're not violating any codes as you bring in new plumbing pipes and fixtures.
A special note about water heaters: It's very important to avoid faulty water heaters - not only could this cost you thousands of dollars in repairs, it might put you at risk for health problems over time. New water heaters often have a warranty for a few years, but they're supposed to last for up to 20 years. It's essential that you buy a quality unit, install it well and use it properly.
It's wise to make sure your water heater has been tested by a qualified professional plumber every few years after buying. If you find any problems with your water heater, don't hesitate to replace it.
If you have any doubts about the quality or installation of your plumbing, call in an expert before using the system.
The basic rule is this: You have a right to know that your new house won't give you problems. If you need help selecting a reliable contractor, call the Chamber of Commerce, talk to your lawyer and ask for recommendations from friends and family.
Author Bio:- Jacqueline Lewis
Jacqueline is a content marketing manager who formerly worked at Cali's Choice Plumbing & Restoration. She is a writer, editor, and content strategist for plumbing services. Making her knowledge and skills a power, she amplifies the readers’ knowledge about the ways of water leak and slab leak detection and their reciprocation.
Through her articles, she shares the most successful tactics and strategies of slab leak repair, mitigating blockages through Hydro Jetting, and AC & heater installation tips to the audience.
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