7 Plumbing Questions to Ask During the Home-Buying Process

By Shelley Frost

February 20, 2025

The plumbing might not be the most glamorous part of the house hunt, but understanding the condition of the system could save you a lot of headaches if you buy the house. Old, outdated plumbing or major problems in the past could cost you a lot in bills from a plumber.

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As you get serious about a house, ask several plumbing questions to clear up any concerns about the home's pipes.

What Are Some Plumbing-Related Questions to Ask Before Buying a Home?

Plumbing encompasses a wide range of pipes, drains and appliances that connect to the water system. Pipes delivering water throughout the house might seem simple, but several issues can arise that cost money to repair or lead to major water damage. Make sure you buy a home with a high-quality system by asking these plumbing questions.

1. Is the Home Connected to a Sewer Line or a Septic System?

Wastewater removal is a crucial part of keeping a home's plumbing system flowing smoothly. Issues with the sewer or septic tank may cause slow drainage, bad odors and sewage backups. Start by determining if the home is connected to the municipal sewer system or has a septic tank to get an idea of maintenance requirements. Septic tanks need to be pumped every 3-5 years, and you have to be careful about what goes into the tank.

Next, ask any system-specific questions you may have. For a sewer system, ask if the sewer line has ever been replaced. You might also ask if there's been a camera inspection recently. For a home with a septic tank, ask when it was last pumped and how well they've maintained the system. Asking the age of the tank is also useful. Septic systems can last anywhere from 15 to 40 years.

2. Has the Home Been Repiped Recently?

If the home is older, ask if the pipes have ever been replaced. Old pipes may be corroded or have buildup inside them that affects water pressure and quality. Recent repiping resets the clock and could affect how much maintenance you need to do on the plumbing system. Buying a home with newer pipes could reduce potential plumbing issues and optimize how well the system works.

3. How Old Is the Water Heater?

The water heater is an essential part of your plumbing system. Without it, you're left in the cold at shower time. Find out how old the water heater is. You can expect to get between 8 and 12 years from a conventional tank system, while tankless models last 20 years or longer.

You can also ask other questions about the water heater, such as whether it's had major repairs. Find out if the owners have issues with running out of hot water regularly, which could mean the tank water heater is too small for the home. Keep in mind that everyone's water usage is different, so you may have a different experience.

4. Are There Any Water Treatment Systems Installed?

Homes may have water filtration or water softener systems installed. Find out if your potential new home has any type of treatment system. Having a system already installed saves you money while giving you higher-quality water. Knowing about the type of system lets you do research to determine what type of maintenance the system needs.

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5. Are There Any Leaking, Clogging or Other Plumbing Issues?

Leaks and clogs are two common plumbing issues homeowners face. While they're relatively easy to fix, they can cause water damage in a home. If the homeowner hasn't had the issues resolved properly, they could keep popping up and leaving you to deal with them.

6. How Much Are the Water Bills?

Don't wait until your first water bill arrives to budget for the payment. Asking about the home's average water bills gives you an idea of what you might pay. If the bills seem higher than they should be, it could indicate the system has a leak or other plumbing issues that are wasting water.

7. Has the Home Ever Flooded Due to Plumbing Issues?

Serious plumbing issues can lead to flooding in the home, ranging from small pools to inches of water. Broken pipes and clogged drains are two common causes of flooding. Find out if the home has experienced these issues. Even if it's been repaired, the home could still have some signs of water damage, such as mold growth. You could also face a repeat if the issue hasn't been addressed.

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