Do You Need to ask about Plumbing Issues when Viewing a Property?

When you’re walking through a property for the first time, your eyes will likely be drawn to the obvious things.

The size of the rooms, the light through the windows, and the general feel of the place.

Maybe the kitchen looks recently updated, or there’s a cosy fireplace or a neatly trimmed garden – these are all good signs, and worth noticing.

But there’s one thing that rarely shouts for attention, and yet, it can end up costing you more than almost anything else if it goes wrong: the plumbing.

Don’t Miss Early Warning Signs

Most plumbing problems don’t wave a red flag in your face during a short viewing.

You might not hear pipes banging or see water pooling anywhere.

Everything could seem fine on the surface, and that’s the danger.

What you don’t notice straight away, can become a real issue later.

Old pipework, slow leaks, poor drainage, these things tend to hide in walls, under floors, or behind cabinet doors.

That’s why it’s worth asking a few direct questions while you’re there.

What Should You Ask?

You don’t need to interrogate the estate agent, but it’s smart to cover a few basics.

Try asking things like:

• Has there been any history of leaks, water damage, or drainage issues?
• Do they know how old the pipework is?
• When was the boiler last serviced?
• Have there been any recent plumbing upgrades?

Even if they can’t answer everything, you’re planting the idea that you’re paying attention – and that can be helpful later if you decide to move forward with the property.

It’s important that you ask these questions via email or another similar method of communication, so that you have the evidence of their answers for later legal reference if necessary.

Inspect the Property Yourself

While you’re walking through, have a quick peek under sinks.

Look around the base of toilets, especially where they meet the floor.

If something smells damp or musty, don’t brush it off.

That could be a sign of a hidden leak or poor ventilation.

Run the taps. Do they come on quickly? Is the pressure consistent?

Does the water drain without gurgling or hesitation?

These little tests don’t take long, and they can tell you more than you might expect.

Don’t Rely on the Survey

A lot of buyers rely on the home survey to flag potential issues.

But here’s the issue: most standard surveys aren’t detailed when it comes to plumbing.

They’ll note visible problems, sure, but they won’t check every pipe or test water pressure throughout the house.

If you’ve got doubts – or if the house is on the older side – it might be worth bringing in a plumber from somewhere like Able Plumbers, to do a more focused inspection before you commit.

So, what’s the bottom line? Yes, you should definitely ask.

Plumbing might not be the most glamorous part of a property, but it’s one of the most important.

A quick conversation now could save you from a costly surprise after the keys are in your hand.

Photo Credit: Depositphotos