Buying an Older Adelaide Home? The Plumbing Checks to Do Before You Sign
Essential Plumbing Checks Before Buying an Older Adelaide Home
An older Adelaide home can have plenty going for it like established gardens, generous rooms, solid construction and a bit of character that you simply don’t get in a brand-new build but before you fall in love with the polished timber floors or that beautiful old veranda, take a closer look at the…..plumbing.
Some plumbing problems are easy to spot while others are sitting quietly underground, waiting until you’ve signed the contract. A proper pre purchase plumbing inspection Adelaide can uncover issues that a standard property inspection may not examine in detail. South Australian Government guidance also recommends having specialist inspections where appropriate, as a general building inspection does not necessarily cover plumbing or electrical systems.
1. Check the sewer, not just the sinks
One of the biggest concerns with older Adelaide properties is the condition of the underground sewer drain. Older homes may have earthenware sewer pipes which usually can last for decades but factors like age, ground movement and tree roots can eventually cause cracking, displaced joints or blockages. You won’t necessarily know there’s a problem from looking at the bathroom. The toilets may flush perfectly…the drains may run well….everything can appear completely normal.
A CCTV drain inspection can catch all hidden issues. A camera can travel through the sewer line and show what’s actually happening inside the pipe, including cracks, root intrusion, collapsed sections or other defects. That can be incredibly useful information before committing to a property.
2. Look out for galvanised pipework
Older Adelaide houses may also contain galvanised steel water pipes. Over time, these pipes can corrode internally, gradually restricting water flow. You might notice weak pressure at a tap, discoloured water or a shower that seems to lose pressure when another tap is turned on. Not every older pipe needs immediate replacement, of course. But if the property still has extensive ageing pipework, it is worth knowing its condition and allowing for potential future work.
3. Be very careful with DIY gas work
This one is not worth taking chances with. If you see unusual gas pipework, an appliance that appears incorrectly connected or evidence that someone has modified the gas installation themselves, get it checked.
Gas fitting is licensed work in South Australia and the government specifically advises homeowners to use licensed tradespeople and professional gasfitters for anything gas related. A fresh coat of paint can hide a lot but it cannot make unsafe gas work safe.
4. Check trees around the property
That enormous established tree in the backyard might be one of the reasons you love the house, but you may not know that it can also be relevant to the plumbing.
Tree roots naturally seek moisture and sewer lines with ageing joints or defects can become vulnerable to root intrusion. SA Government advice for prospective buyers specifically recommends considering whether trees are growing close enough to the building to cause plumbing issues. It doesn’t mean every tree is a problem, just don’t ignore the combination of mature trees and an old sewer system.
Get the answers before you sign
Buying a home is exciting, but plumbing repairs can become an expensive surprise once settlement has happened. At Horncastle Plumbing our experienced Adelaide team can carry out a detailed pre-purchase plumbing inspection, including CCTV drain inspections where appropriate and help identify potential issues with sewer lines, water pipework, hot water systems and gas installations. We service homes across Adelaide, from established inner suburbs to the north, south, east and west. We can help you understand what you’re actually buying…. before you sign on the dotted line. Get in touch for more information.
