Purchasing a historic house can be a satisfying process. Your family and you have the benefit of living in style and elegance, enjoying features and architecture that are not available in modern construction. Purchasing an older house could also be a costly minefield, however, particularly when it comes to water damage and the plumbing system. Before you sign on the dotted line, be sure you have the house thoroughly inspected so you don’t wind up looking at unexpected and really expensive plumbing repair bills.

Locating the Hidden Plumbing Repairs

One of the first things you wish to check out in a historic house is the plumbing. Does the house still need cast iron, or even lead pipes installed? If so, you might have to consider pulling-out the entire system and replacing it with more modern material like copper or PEX plastic. The sewage line is another point of concern – have a plumber inspect it with a camera to ensure that it has not broken or collapsed, which could allow sewage to back up into the home.

Even if the pipes are relatively up-to-date, there could still be hidden plumbing leakages that you should know about before you buy. And additionally to having the pipes and sewer line examined, you also need to check to make sure the home has adequate water pressure, and have the water tested to make sure it is safe to drink.

Water Damage all Over the House

Water damage can affect older houses in other ways besides just the plumbing. “The big enemy of a historic house, and I’m talking about something built just before the ’20s and ’30s, is water,” historic preservation professional. Damaged roofs can allow water in from the top, and water in the ground can affect the reliability of the foundation.

To snuff out potential problems, seem carefully on, around, and under the roofing for any damage. For the interior, look for sagging or uneven floors or ceilings and keep an eye away for discolored spots that could suggest water harm. Spend a trip to the home after it rains to see if there’s any dampness that gets around, and view whether water on the floor runs away through the house or instead pools up against the basis.

Keeping Up with the Maintenance

If the home has been continuously occupied, it’s likely to be in better shape than a home that has been empty for years. Make sure you ask for all the maintenance records from the last owners and verify their claims with your inspector. And of course, even if a home has suffered water damage,

If you have any amount of plumbing damage contact www.resurrectionplumber.com