Plumbing Issues for New Homes

First-time homebuyers might assume their property will be free of problems, especially new construction. As such, money for potential repairs are not immediately set aside and the homeowners soon find their new house has clogged plumbing or a leaky water heater.

As you make the major life decision to buy a house, it’s recommended to have pipes and other fixtures fully assessed by a licensed plumber and anticipate some repairs right off the bat. Learn about some of the issues you might come across as you purchase a home.

Clogged Pipes

For new homes, clogged pipes can be a sign of the following:

• Roots from nearby trees or bushes have grown into the pipes
• Local sewer system issues
• Incorrect plumbing installation during construction
• A blockage, including in the plumbing or drain pipe
• A congested or blocked vent pipe

Blocked Drain

Clogged plumbing and a blocked drain often go hand-in-hand. Based on the home’s age, a pipe may be blocked due to:

• Building materials left in the pipe
• Grease and fat accumulation in the pipe
• Debris blocking the pipe

While these factors may cause water to pool or stagnate in your pipes, they can affect water quality long term and may compromise your home’s structural integrity, contributing to rot or a cracked foundation.

Water Heater Issues

You turn the hot water on but it runs cold, no matter how long or frequently you use it. Generally, the water heater may be to blame, including one or more of the following concerns:

Leaky Faucet

Initially, a leaky faucet might seem insignificant but they cause your home to waste gallons of water per year and increase related expenses. With new homes, this problem stems from fixture damage like:

Running Toilet

After you flush, the toilet keeps running and can drive up your water bill. The problem is typically attributed to a defective flapper valve, causing water to repeatedly travel from the tank to the bowl.

Water Pressure Issues

Factors beyond your control can also affect your home’s water pressure. Along with how water is managed locally, your new property may be experiencing low water pressure as a result of:

What to Do About Plumbing Issues in a New Home

Have a licensed plumber fully inspect your home before you make a down payment. If significant issues emerge, determine who is responsible for making repairs. You may need to work with your real estate agent and an attorney to get this resolved.

In select instances, the home seller is on the hook for repairing malfunctioning plumbing under purchase agreement conditions, especially if the issue was intentionally disguised to get more money for the property.
 
As you consider purchasing a new home, have our team thoroughly inspect the plumbing before you agree to the sale. To make an appointment, contact MJ Fahy & Sons today.