Before buying a home, it is worth checking where the stopcock is and whether it turns, how well the taps, shower and toilets work, whether there are signs of leaks or damp around fittings and ceilings, and what condition the visible pipework is in. These simple checks can help you spot plumbing issues to ask about or budget for before you commit.
A viewing will not reveal everything, but it can tell you a lot if you know where to look.
Water Supply and Flow
Run the cold tap in the kitchen and the taps upstairs. Weak flow at every outlet, or a big difference between floors, may be worth asking about. It does not necessarily mean there is a fault, as some homes are fed by a loft tank and naturally have gentler flow upstairs.
Ask where the stopcock is and whether the seller knows if it works. A stopcock that is hidden, seized or missing could be inconvenient in an emergency. Avoid forcing it during a viewing.
If there is a water meter, ask where it is and whether bills have been unusually high, which can sometimes point to a hidden leak.
Signs of Leaks or Past Problems
Look at ceilings below bathrooms for stains or patches of fresh paint. Check under sinks and around the base of toilets and baths for damp, swollen wood or marks.
A musty smell in cupboards, flaking plaster or new sealant in odd places can be a sign of past leaks. These are not proof of a current problem, but they are worth asking the seller about.
It also helps to ask the seller about recent plumbing work. Receipts, invoices or notes about past repairs can show what has been replaced and whether any problem has come back more than once.
The Pipework You Can See
Look at exposed pipes under sinks, in airing cupboards and in the loft if you can. Heavy green or white crusting at joints, rust, or patchwork repairs may suggest the pipes need closer attention.
Older pipe materials do not always mean trouble, and newer homes can have problems too. If you think a property may have lead supply pipes, the water company can advise. A survey may also comment on the plumbing, though it may not test everything.
Check outside too. Look for an outside tap, any overflow pipes dripping from the walls, and drain covers that are damaged or hard to find. Overflow pipes that drip may point to a cistern or tank valve that needs attention.
Drainage and Hot Water
Run water into basins, the bath and the shower and watch how quickly it drains. Gurgling or slow drainage in several places may point to an issue in the waste pipes or drains. Flush the toilets and check that they refill properly.
Hot water and heating systems need checking by an appropriately qualified engineer.
If you are buying a home and want the plumbing looked at before you commit, our residential plumbing service in Oxford can check the supply, fittings and visible pipework and explain anything that may need attention.