Homebuyer Plumbing Checklist: What to Look Out For Before You Buy
When viewing a property, it's easy to focus on layout, location, and finishings—but hidden behind the walls and under the floors is something equally important: the plumbing. Undetected plumbing problems can lead to costly repairs, water damage, and serious disruption once you move in.
At Pleasant Plumbers, we regularly help homebuyers across London assess plumbing systems before they complete a purchase. Use this plumbing checklist during your next viewing to spot issues early—and avoid expensive surprises.
1. Check the Boiler Age and Service History
Ask for the boiler’s age, brand, and last service date. A modern, regularly serviced boiler (e.g. Vaillant, Worcester Bosch, Ideal) is a good sign. If it’s more than 12–15 years old or hasn’t been serviced annually, you may be looking at a replacement soon.
2. Test the Water Pressure
Turn on taps and showers to check the water pressure. Poor pressure could indicate old pipework, a shared supply, or pressure-limiting issues—all of which may require upgrades.
3. Look Under Sinks and Around Toilets
Check for signs of leaks, corrosion, or mould. Staining around pipework or musty smells may indicate hidden issues.
4. Check Radiators and Heating Performance
Feel radiators for cold spots, which may indicate airlocks or sludge build-up. Ask whether the system has ever been power flushed or balanced.
5. Ask About the Drainage
Look for slow drains, gurgling toilets, or standing water in outdoor gullies. These may point to blockages or poor drainage design. If in doubt, a CCTV drain survey by a professional plumber in London like Pleasant Plumbers is worth the investment.
6. Inspect the Stopcock and External Pipework
Make sure you can access and operate the stopcock—vital in emergencies. Also check outdoor taps, waste pipes, and overflow outlets for signs of wear or leaks.
7. Hot Water System Setup
Understand whether the property uses a combi boiler, system boiler, or conventional setup. Each has pros and cons depending on household size and hot water demand.
8. Look for Signs of DIY Plumbing
Mismatched fittings, exposed pipework, or visible sealant may be signs of unqualified repairs. Bad DIY plumbing can be costly to undo.
9. Ask About Water Hardness
London has hard water, which increases the risk of limescale build-up. Ask if the property has a scale reducer or water softener fitted—this protects the boiler and taps.
10. Consider a Pre-Purchase Plumbing Inspection
A professional plumbing check could uncover hidden faults and save you thousands in repairs. At Pleasant Plumbers, we offer affordable homebuyer plumbing surveys across London to give you complete peace of mind before you exchange contracts.
Want Peace of Mind Before You Buy?
Book a pre-purchase plumbing inspection with Pleasant Plumbers and avoid post-sale regrets.
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