Jun 08, 2025 It’s easy to fall in love with a house at first sight, but the fresh paint, updated kitchen, and clean lines of a remodeled bathroom can mask what’s happening beneath the surface. When you're preparing to make one of the biggest purchases of your life, asking the right plumbing questions can save you from surprise costs. Acknowledge Plumbing is here to help. We know how easily small oversights can turn into expensive calls for a plumbing repair service after move-in. Plumbing doesn’t get much attention during walkthroughs, but it should. If you want to make an informed decision before you commit to a home, there are some critical questions you need to ask. These seven will help you get there.
How Old Is the Main Water Line and Sewer Line?
The age and material of the main water and sewer lines matter. These underground systems are usually out of sight and out of mind, but if they fail, repairs can be expensive and disruptive. Ask the seller or the real estate agent if they know when the lines were last inspected or replaced. Older homes typically have galvanized steel or clay sewer lines that are prone to cracking, root intrusion, or corrosion. If the house was built before the 1980s and hasn’t had recent updates, there’s a good chance these lines are past their prime. A plumber can perform a video inspection of the sewer line to check for cracks, buildup, or damage. This kind of inspection is relatively affordable and can help you avoid needing a major plumbing repair service just months after moving in.
Has the Home Ever Had a Major Plumbing Repair?
Some plumbing issues don’t go away after the first fix. If a home has a history of plumbing problems, it’s worth looking deeper to see if there’s an underlying issue that might resurface. Ask if the seller has records of past repairs. Look for repeated service calls in the same area, like a recurring clog or a bathroom that’s had multiple leak repairs. A single repair isn’t necessarily a red flag, but patterns can reveal a problem that’s never really been solved. If the house has had a slab leak, sewer backup, or major water damage due to plumbing failure, dig into how it was handled. Was a qualified plumber involved? Were all necessary repairs made, including mold mitigation or structural drying? Not every home will have a perfect history, but transparency is important.
Backflow happens when contaminated water from outside your pipes reverses direction and…
Read More Water leaks, whether apparent or hidden, are a homeowner's nightmare. They can…
Read More When expanding your living space with an Accessory Dwelling Unit or a…
Read More From unexpected backups to soggy lawns, the signs of a failing septic…
Read More Do you want to keep your lawn and garden lush and vibrant,…
Read More Our Services
Acknowledge Plumbing provides 24-hour residential and commercial plumbing repair & installation services in Sacramento County and all surrounding areas. Call our office now to schedule a nearby plumber.
Are There Signs of Previous or Active Leaks?
Water stains on the ceiling, warped baseboards, or bubbling paint can all point to hidden plumbing issues. Even if the damage looks minor, it can suggest a history of leakage that wasn’t properly taken care of. When touring the home, look at the cabinets under sinks, the floor around toilets, and the ceilings below bathrooms. Use your hands and your nose. A musty smell, damp drywall, or warped wood is worth noting. Some sellers patch cosmetic damage without resolving the root cause. It’s not always obvious, which is why hiring a plumber for a thorough inspection is a smart move before finalizing your offer. A professional can detect leaks behind walls or in crawl spaces that aren’t visible during a walkthrough.
What Kind of Pipes Are Installed?
The material of the pipes inside the house can affect safety and longevity. Certain materials are now considered outdated or problematic. Homes built before 1960 frequently have galvanized steel pipes, which corrode and may reduce water flow. In the 1980s and 90s, some homes were built with polybutylene piping, which is a plastic material that was later found to degrade and become brittle. If a home still has either, replacement is recommended. More modern homes typically use copper, CPVC, or PEX piping. These materials have different strengths, but all are generally reliable when installed properly. Ask what kind of pipes the house has and whether any sections have been updated. If you’re unsure, a plumber can identify pipe materials during an inspection and tell you if they need attention.
When Was the Water Heater Last Serviced or Replaced?
A water heater that’s been neglected can fail without much warning. Even if it’s still working at the time of sale, it may not have much life left in it. Ask how old the water heater is and when it was last flushed or maintained. Most tank-style heaters last 8 to 12 years with proper care. If it’s older than that or shows signs of rust or sediment buildup, you’re likely looking at a replacement soon. If you’re buying in the winter, you may not notice issues with the hot water supply until summer, when more family members are home and usage goes up. A plumber can do a quick evaluation and help you understand whether the unit is running efficiently or on its last legs. It’s not an emergency repair, but it’s worth planning for before it fails.
Is Water Pressure Consistent Throughout the Home?
Uneven or weak water pressure can point to clogged pipes, corrosion, or hidden leaks. When touring a property, test each faucet, shower, and toilet. Run multiple fixtures at once if possible. If the pressure drops suddenly or some areas flow better than others, that’s a red flag. It could mean a pipe is partially blocked or that the system is poorly designed. Good water pressure isn’t about how strong it feels as much as how reliably it flows. A professional plumber can measure water pressure with a gauge and determine whether the issue is minor or a sign of something more serious. It’s one of the easier things to check before you buy and can save you from frustrating repairs later.
Are There Shut-Off Valves in Accessible Locations?
This might be a small detail, but it becomes important the first time you need to stop a leak fast. Every home should have a main shut-off valve and, ideally, individual shut-offs under each sink and toilet. During your tour, ask where the main water shut-off is and check that it’s easy to reach. Look under sinks and behind toilets to see if there are local shut-offs available. Some older homes don’t have them, which means you’d have to shut off water to the whole house to fix one fixture. Adding shut-off valves isn’t a huge job, but it’s good to know before moving in. If a plumber identifies missing or stuck valves during an inspection, you can plan a small plumbing repair service now instead of scrambling during an emergency later.
Are You Buying a Home?
Plumbing isn’t the flashiest part of a home, but it’s one of the most important. Asking the right questions before you buy can help you spot issues early, negotiate better, or walk away from an expensive mistake. Don’t rely solely on what looks clean and updated; get answers about what’s underneath. Acknowledge Plumbing provides professional repairs, replacements, and new installations. If you’re buying a home and want a professional inspection or service, we’re here to help. Our experienced team can identify hidden issues, make honest recommendations, and perform any needed plumbing repair service. Give us a call today and book a pre-purchase plumbing appointment.
