· 3 min read
Checking the plumbing before you buy an older house
Bergen County has a great many houses built before 1960. Their plumbing can be fine, or it can be the most expensive surprise after closing. Here is what to look at, and what to ask.
Upkeep, and hiring a plumber
Seasonal plumbing checks for a Bergen County house, what to look at before buying an older one, and how to hire a licensed New Jersey plumber with confidence.
A house's plumbing mostly asks for attention twice a year and a little curiosity the rest of the time. Here is the short version, and the tips below go deeper.
Spring
- Test the sump pump and check the discharge outside
- Open outdoor faucets slowly and check for leaks inside the wall
- Look for winter damage at the water heater and around toilets
Fall
- Disconnect hoses and drain outdoor faucets
- Have the boiler serviced and the sprinkler system blown out
- Insulate any pipe in an unheated space
Any time
- Replace washing machine hoses older than five years
- Run the water meter test if the bill has crept up
- Flush the water heater once a year
Buying a house
Older Bergen County houses can hide galvanized pipe, a tired sewer line or a boiler on its last legs. The pre-purchase guide below explains what to look at yourself and the two inspections worth paying for.
Hiring
In New Jersey, plumbing must be done by or under a licensed master plumber, and you can verify any license online in a minute. Search near your town, verify the license, get a written estimate, and ask about permits before agreeing to anything. The Find a plumber page has all of it in one place.
What this topic covers
- Getting the plumbing ready for winter
- What to look at before buying an older house
- Verifying a license, comparing estimates, and permits
Common questions
How do I verify a New Jersey plumber's license?
On the state's license verification website, choose Master Plumbers and search by name or license number. It takes a minute and is free. Our Find a plumber page has the link and the steps.
What should a written estimate include?
The work to be done, the parts, the price or the hourly rate and an estimated total, whether a permit is needed and who obtains it, the warranty, and what happens if the job turns out to be bigger than expected.
Tips on this topic
· 3 min read
Replace your washing machine hoses before one of them bursts
A burst washing machine hose pours out water at full mains pressure, and it is one of the most common causes of home water damage. Ten minutes and two new hoses remove the risk.
· 3 min read
Hard water: what it does to your plumbing and what to do about it
White crust on the faucets, spotted glasses and a water heater that rumbles are all signs of hard water. Here is what it is, what it costs you, and the options from a bottle of vinegar to a softener.
· 3 min read
Is something leaking? The ten-minute water meter test
A water bill that has crept up, a damp smell, or a pump that runs at night can all mean a hidden leak. Your water meter can tell you for certain, and often where to look.
Need a professional?
When it is more than a quick fix, search for plumbers near your town and verify the New Jersey license in a minute.