Moving? Here’s Your Plumbing Checklist!

When you are moving, lists can be invaluable, so we put together this simple plumbing checklist for you.

The housing market in the Omaha area is booming and has been for several years, and the season for real estate is back in full swing! As Omaha plumbers, we often get calls from customers who are either buying, selling, or just purchased a new home. If you are buying or selling, you need to know what to look for to make sure your plumbing is going to work correctly after the sale.

1. Check the water hoses

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure when it comes to leaks. The hoses connecting your refrigerator water line, dishwasher and washing machine are good examples of this. Take a look at them and see if you notice any areas that have been rubbing or showing wear. If so, it is a good idea to replace them before they start to leak, as these hoses tend to be out-of-sight and out-of-mind where a leak can go unnoticed and cause a whole lot of damage before anyone even knows it’s there. If any of the hoses are 10 years old or older, plan on replacing those as well, even if they aren’t showing visible signs of wear. Think of it as cheap water damage insurance!

2. Inspect the flooring

Look at the floor around any plumbing fixtures like sinks, dishwashers, bathtubs, showers, toilets, and refrigerators. In rooms under upstairs bathrooms, look at the walls and ceilings and note any musty smells. If the flooring or sheetrock is warped, cracked, or stained it is a good indication that there was or is a leak. Leaks can cause much bigger problems such as mold or structural damage and are important to identify.

3. Check the water heater

Locate the water heater and note its age and condition. If it is over 10 years old or showing signs of rust, you will probably need to replace it soon. Gurgling sounds coming from the tank are signs of sediment build-up and another indicator that the water heater may need to be replaced. Hard water or iron can cause sediment to build up quickly and collect in the bottom of the tank, which makes the water heater lose efficiency and cost more to run. Unchecked, it can cause it to stop working altogether. It’s a good idea to flush the sediment from your water heater every 6 months to keep things working as long as possible. With a new home it’s a good idea to do it as soon as you arrive.

If the water heater does need to be replaced, consider installing a new ultra-high efficiency water heater or an on-demand tankless water heater. Both types can save energy, money and can keep you from ever running out of hot water.

4. Turn on all the showers

Running the showers can tell you about the water pressure, hot water availability and whether the water heater is working properly. Calcium build-up on the shower head can also indicate that the house may have hard water.

5. Test the water quality

We use tap water for so many things pertaining to life and health; drinking, cooking, bathing, washing. Surprisingly, water quality is often overlooked! The municipal water in Asheville is notoriously bad tasting, and the wells around here can be high in iron, hardness, and acidity. These contaminants can be dealt with, but it’s a good idea to get your water tested up front so that you know what you have.

Buying or selling a house represents one of the biggest financial decisions most people make. Use this simple plumbing checklist to help you be more informed and aware as you buy, sell, or move into your new home.

If you would like a professional Omaha plumber to look at your house, please don’t hesitate to contact us! We offer complete and thorough plumbing safety and efficiency inspections. We’d be happy to answer any plumbing questions you may have.