| There is probably no item in your home that can cause | | | | the trap. But, you can verify that water drains |
| more hidden damage than your pipes. Often, plumbing | | | | adequately and there are no leaks in the faucet. |
| damage can go unchecked for years. | | | | Check around the base for obvious water damage. |
| Which is why, if you are purchasing a new home or | | | | A bad water heater can be very dangerous, so it is |
| condo, your home inspection should include a thorough | | | | best to have it inspected by a professional. But, you |
| plumbing inspection as part of the routine. | | | | can verify that there are shutoff valves running to and |
| The last thing you need is to buy a home that has | | | | from the water heater, and there are no obvious leaks. |
| plumbing issues. The costs can quickly jump into the | | | | Check to make sure there is no obvious corrosion. |
| thousands. And, it's not just the financial costs. Bad | | | | Once again, if anything looks worn or damaged have a |
| plumbing can be down right dangerous. | | | | professional check the gas lines, pilot assembly and |
| Here are 5 areas you need to check on your next | | | | electrical connections. |
| property inspection. Whether you are purchasing a | | | | Finally, verify the miscellaneous plumbing connections |
| new home, or just making sure your existing one is up | | | | around the house using similar criteria. Some of these |
| to par. | | | | areas are washers, dishwashers, ice makers, etc. |
| If you are ever unsure, you should call a property | | | | When you are buying a new home or condo, you do |
| inspection professional. But, it is actually quite straight | | | | not want to be taking on a new batch of problems. |
| forward. You just have to remember to check toilets, | | | | The first step in avoiding these problems is a home |
| sinks, bathtubs/showers, water heaters and a few | | | | inspection. One of the most important parts of this |
| other miscellaneous plumbing areas. | | | | inspection is the plumbing. |
| First, check the toilets. You want to verify that all of | | | | If a problem is small, you can have the owner or |
| the lines running into the toilet are in good shape. And | | | | builder fix the issue. Here in Panama, where most of |
| make sure that there is a functioning shutoff valve at | | | | the buildings are made of concrete, water problems |
| the wall. Look for leaks and other signs of damage. | | | | are easily taken care of by fixing the source. In lumber |
| And then perform a flush test to make sure | | | | construction, plumbing issues can cause all types of |
| everything is functioning as expected. | | | | structural damage in a very short period of time. |
| Next, crawl under the cabinets and take a look at the | | | | But once you know about them, you can make a |
| sink. Similar to the toilet, verify the supply lines and shut | | | | decision on how to deal with them. |
| off valves appear to be in good shape, without any | | | | Make sure you always do a home inspection, including |
| leaks. Make sure that there is a trap installed on the | | | | plumbing, any time you are about to buy a new home |
| drain, and it doesn't drip. And make sure the drain | | | | or condo. It is a good idea to do them periodically in |
| speed is adequate. A slow drain could indicate clogging | | | | your own home as well. |
| or it could indicate missing, clogged or inadequate | | | | By doing a plumbing and property inspection, you can |
| ventilation. | | | | be sure your new home is going to be the dream |
| Showers and Bathtubs do not have shutoffs or visible | | | | home you want it to be. |
| supply lines and your probably do not have access to | | | | |