Buying an old home - check plumbing

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 12, Issue 568, 28 December 1994, Page 9

Buying an old home - check plumbing

Old homes have a character and attractiveness all of their own. Alas, sometimes their plumbing is all their own - all their own original pipes, taps and drains with the probability they'll all need to be upgraded. Renovation offers the chance to put all the wrongs of neglect and old age to rights but it pays to be aware of what you might be up against right from the start. If you are buying an older home the costs and problems associated with redoing the washhouse, kitchen and bathroom could be an important consideration in any offer you finally make. When making your inspection, turn on all the taps and check the flow of water. If the flow is of a low pressure or there is a sudden rush followed by a trickle, it could mean corrosion has partially blocked the pipes. With the old iron conduits this is a normal sign of old age. However it does mean the system will have to be overhauled or replaced. Pipes are more likely to rust up where the water supply isn't used very much, such as outside taps. The lack of pressure in the hot water system can also accelerate rusting up. Dripping taps are a nuisance that might only indicated a new washer is needed or they could need reseating or replacement. If you are changing washers or taps yourself, be careful not to apply too much brute force - if the connections are rusted up they might break away. If this happens the water supply will need to be cut off until you can get a Master Plumber to make repairs. If you are interested in a house, get a Master Plumber in to look at the plumbing as part of the Master Plumbers' Home Inspection Service to give an estimate of what needs tobedone. The plumbing may be in its original state or it may have been partly updated. Y our Master Plumber will know how much is useable and will be able to advise you on the layouts of a possibly renovated kitchen and bathroom. Your plumber' s suggestions will need to be co-ordinated with any renovation wOrk carried out by the carpenter as often the renewal of plumbing calls for structural work to be done. Any finally, often it pays to check out the condition of the roof and guttering. Look for signs of corrosion in the downpipes and spouting. To get a really good look find some kind of vantage point where you can see the roof. If patching has been done, the whole roof is probably on its last legs. And when inside a check of the ceilings will show if there are leaks coming through.