What New Home Seekers in Seattle Should Look for in Plumbing Systems

Mar 10

For homebuyers in the Seattle, WA area, assessing the plumbing systems of potential new homes is crucial for long-term comfort, safety, and cost-efficiency. Plumbing issues can lead to expensive repairs, so it’s essential to know what to look for when viewing homes. Here’s a detailed guide on what new home seekers should pay attention to when evaluating the plumbing systems:

Age of the Plumbing System

Understanding the age of the plumbing system in the home is one of the first things to inquire about. Older homes, especially those built around or before the 1960s, might have outdated plumbing materials, such as galvanized steel pipes, which are prone to rust and corrosion.

Key Points to Check:

Galvanized Steel Pipes: Common in homes built before 1960. These can deteriorate over time, leading to clogs, leaks, and water contamination.
Copper Pipes: Found in homes built between 1960 and the 1980s. Copper is durable but can develop pinhole leaks with age.
PVC Pipes: Common in modern homes (post-1980s), these are generally safe and long-lasting, but improper installation or damage can still lead to issues.
PEX Pipes: Popular in newer homes, PEX is flexible, easy to install, and resistant to freezing in colder climates, which is important in Seattle’s chilly winters.

Water Pressure and Flow

Water pressure is an essential factor for home comfort, and you’ll want to ensure that it is adequate throughout the house.

What to Look for:

Turn on multiple faucets at once to assess water pressure throughout the home. A significant drop in pressure when multiple faucets are on could indicate plumbing issues such as a blocked pipe or a water supply problem.
Check the flow rate of showers and sinks. A weak flow can indicate blocked pipes, mineral buildup, or problems with the main water supply line.

Leaks and Visible Damage

Leaky pipes can be costly to repair and can damage a home’s foundation, ceilings, and walls. Always look for signs of water damage or leaks in the plumbing system.

How to Check:

Look for water stains on ceilings or walls, especially around fixtures like sinks, toilets, and bathtubs.
Inspect the basement or crawl space for any signs of moisture or visible pipe leaks.
Check around the water heater for leaks or signs of corrosion.

If the house has a basement or crawl space, make sure it’s dry and clean, without any mold or mildew, which could indicate ongoing plumbing problems.

Water Heater Condition

The water heater is an essential part of the home’s plumbing system. In the Seattle area, where hot water is necessary for comfort year-round, ensure that the water heater is up to the task.

Things to Check:

Age of the water heater: Traditional tank water heaters last around 10–15 years. If the heater is approaching or beyond this age, it might be time to replace it. That means you may have to consider adding that cost into the cost of buying the home.
Signs of rust or leaks: Check around the base of the water heater for any signs of rust or puddles of water.
Size: Ensure the water heater is the right size for the home. If the house has multiple bathrooms or a large family, a smaller water heater may struggle to provide enough hot water.

Sewer System and Drainage

Sewer line issues can be incredibly costly to fix, so it’s essential to check the drainage system thoroughly.

Steps to Take:

Flush the Toilets: Make sure all toilets flush properly without issues such as slow flushing or running water.
Check the Drains: Test kitchen sinks, bathroom sinks, bathtubs, and showers to ensure they drain quickly. Slow drainage can be a sign of clogged pipes or a deeper issue with the sewer line.
Ask About the Sewer Line: In Seattle, homes that are older may have clay pipes or other older materials, which can crack, break, or become clogged over time. Ask the seller when the last sewer line inspection was done.

Insulation for Cold Weather

Seattle’s winters can be cold, and inadequate insulation can cause pipes to freeze, leading to expensive repairs. Pay attention to the areas that may be susceptible to freezing temperatures.

What to Inspect:

Ensure pipes in areas like attics, crawl spaces, and exterior walls are insulated, especially in older homes.
If there is exposed piping, ask the seller if it has been properly insulated.

Water Quality

Seattle generally has excellent water quality, but it's still important to check for any signs of contamination or poor taste and smell in the water.

Key Questions to Ask:

Water filtration systems: Does the home have a filtration system? If not, would you need one? Some areas of Seattle may have higher levels of chlorine or other chemicals in the water, which could affect the taste or health of your water.
Water testing: Consider having the water tested to ensure it's safe to drink, especially if the home uses well water.

Plumbing System Code Compliance

Homes in Seattle, WA, should meet city code requirements for plumbing, particularly if they were built or renovated recently.

What to Verify:

Ask for any building permits or recent plumbing work completed on the property.
Ensure that all plumbing work is up to local building codes. A licensed plumber should have completed the work to ensure it's safe and compliant.

Backflow Prevention

Backflow is a condition where contaminated water can flow back into your clean water supply. This is a concern in any home, particularly if you live near flood zones, as is common in some Seattle neighborhoods.

Things to Look For:

Check for the presence of backflow preventers on your main water line, as well as on irrigation or other water systems that may come into contact with soil.
Verify that any water system designed to prevent backflow is functional and up to code.

Final Thoughts

Before purchasing a home, it’s essential to conduct a thorough inspection of the plumbing system. Plumbing issues in Seattle, WA, can be particularly tricky due to the city’s age and climate. If you’re not familiar with plumbing systems, it’s worth hiring a professional plumber for a detailed inspection to catch any hidden issues early. By keeping an eye out for the signs mentioned above, you’ll be better equipped to make an informed decision about your potential new home.