Are you looking to buy a new home? If so, checking the plumbing and water efficiency of your potential new home is crucial to ensure that your family’s basic needs are met. Moreover, ensuring your new home has an efficient plumbing system and appliances can save you money on utility bills and avoid costly repairs down the road.

Here’s what you need to know to evaluate the plumbing and water efficiency during a home inspection.

Check the Pipes 🚽

The plumbing system of the house is the most important part of your home inspection. Check the water supply pipes for leaks or signs of damage. An experienced home inspector will look for issues such as rust, corrosion, and mineral buildup. They will also test the water pressure to see if it meets local codes and standards.

The pipes should be in good condition, have no leaks, and should be free of any signs of damage, such as cracks or corrosion. Good water pressure is a sign that the home’s supply pipes are in proper condition.

Handyman checking pipes

Assess the Water Heater 🔥

While assessing the plumbing, your home inspector should also check the water heater. An efficient water heater contributes to your water efficiency and a significant part of your energy bills. Therefore, checking its capability is crucial to avoid costly repairs or replacements.

The inspector should ensure that the water heater is appropriately sized for your family’s needs and provide enough hot water. Moreover, the temperature should be regulated to avoid scalding accidents.

Plumber checking water heater

Check the Toilets 🚾

Toilets are the second-largest source of water use in the average household, accounting for nearly 30% of the water usage. Checking them during the inspection is crucial.

An inspector should check for leaks; look for cracks in the toilet tank, bowl, or base; and make sure the toilet flushes and refills correctly. If you hear any hissing sound or the bowl loses water, it indicates that there is an ongoing leak.

Inspector testing a toilet

Faucets and Fixtures 🚰

A home inspector should check all plumbing fixtures, including faucets, showerheads, and sinks. They should ensure they have no leaks and should be functioning correctly.

Moreover, they should check if the faucets have water-saving aerators installed, which can save you up to 60% of water usage. Finally, check the drainage of sinks and showers to ensure they are not sluggish or clogged.

Checking the faucet

Check for Water-Saving Features 💦

One of the roles of your home inspector is to check for water-saving features throughout your home. If the house has a sprinkler system, it should work correctly and comply with local water conservation laws. Moreover, check if the home has a rainwater harvesting system in place, which can help you reduce water bills and provide for outdoor watering needs.

Also, ask your inspector to check if your house has a dual-flush toilet to save water usage or low-flow showerheads.

Water-saving toilet

Conclusion 💭

Evaluating the plumbing and water efficiency of a house in your home inspection is crucial to ensure that your basic needs are met and avoid costly repairs or water bills down the road. Therefore, ask your home inspector to double-check each section, and check every fixture’s water efficiency and potential leaks. You would be surprised how small issues can escalade and cost you a fortune in the future.

Home inspection checklist

Happy inspection! 🏡