So you are looking to buy a home in Fulshear, Texas. Great choice. We will be neighbors. Fulshear is small town west of Houston. This fast-growing area offers awesome amenities including top schools, master-planned communities by award winning builders and a short drive to Houston. The landscape is also a big draw with sloping hills and beautiful prairies. Mercy Plumbing welcomes you to our neighborhood!
1. Ask questions about plumbing problems
It is not required that sellers disclose problems with the plumbing. Your home inspection may or may not include sewer line inspections. Standard inspections do not include comprehensive sewer line inspections. Learn how old the home is. Homes that are over 12 years old may need a water heater replaced. Homes over 25 years old may not have PVC sewer pipes. Does the home have big trees in the front or back yard? Where does the sewer line run? It’s good to know as much as possible about the plumbing because it can lead to expensive repairs.
2. If you have concerns, get the sewer line inspected
If the home is over 20 years old, and there are big trees in the yard, it may be a good idea to get your sewer line inspected. Standard home inspections do not include a sewer line inspection and adding one may be expensive. An additional option would be to call out Mercy Plumbing. We offer video inspection of your sewer line to ensure that roots are not intruding into the sewer line or other issues that can costs thousands of dollars to repair. Not to mention tear up your yard.
3. Ask about the pipe lines in the home.
You most likely will not run into this issue on newer homes but if the home is over 20 years old, you may want to know the shape the pipes are in. Whole home repiping can be an expensive investment.
There are several types of pipes commonly used for home plumbing systems, including:
- Copper pipes: These are a popular choice for residential plumbing because they are durable, long-lasting, and can withstand high temperatures and pressure. They are also resistant to corrosion.
- PVC pipes: These are a type of plastic pipe that is lightweight, easy to install, and less expensive than copper pipes. They are commonly used for drainage and waste systems.
- PEX pipes: These are flexible plastic pipes that are becoming more popular in residential plumbing systems because they are easy to install, resistant to corrosion, and less likely to burst in freezing temperatures.
- Galvanized steel pipes: These are made of steel that has been coated with zinc to prevent rust and corrosion. They are commonly used for water supply lines but can be prone to rusting over time.
- Cast iron pipes: These are heavy-duty pipes that are commonly used for waste and drainage systems. They are durable and can withstand high pressure and extreme temperatures.
4. Inspect the appliances that use water
Make a note to inspect the appliances that connect to water lines. Many times the fixture may show damage or wear over time that can be expensive to replace. Washing machines, refrigerators that dispense ice and water, the dishwasher, water heater and under-sink food disposal are the most important ones. There may be some damage to the wall or piping in these areas. Repairing these may be significant.
5. Look for signs of an under the slab leak
An under the slab leak, also known as a slab leak, is a plumbing issue that occurs when a water supply or drainage pipe under the foundation of a building develops a leak. This type of leak can be difficult to detect and repair because the pipes are hidden beneath the concrete slab of the building.
Under the slab leaks can be caused by a variety of factors, including corrosion of the pipes, shifting soil, or improper installation. The leak can cause water to seep into the foundation, causing damage to the structure and potentially leading to mold growth.
Symptoms of an under the slab leak may include a sudden increase in water bills, damp spots or puddles on the floor, cracks in the foundation, or the sound of running water when all fixtures are turned off.
Repairing an under the slab leak typically involves accessing the damaged pipe by removing a portion of the concrete slab. The damaged section of the pipe is then replaced or repaired, and the concrete slab is replaced. This can be a complex and expensive process, and it is important to address an under the slab leak as soon as possible to prevent further damage to the building.
Welcome to Fulshear!
This list sounds like a lot of doom and gloom but it is a list of stuff to watch out for. Making sure that these concerns are addressed will make your home purchase that much more enjoyable. If you do have any plumbing issues or need us to come out at check out the home before you buy, give us a call. Our experienced plumbers will make sure that you don’t get any plumbing surprises.
