27 Mar 10 Essential Plumbing & Gas Checks Before Buying a New Home
Buying a new home?
Congratulations – that’s a huge milestone! Whether you’re a first-home buyer or upgrading to something bigger (with space for a BBQ the size of a small car), it’s easy to get swept up in the excitement. But while you’re picturing Sunday barbies and where the couch will go, don’t forget to look below the surface – literally.
At Alexander Gas & Plumbing Co., we’ve seen it all. And trust us, no one wants to discover a dodgy hot water system or sneaky gas leak after they’ve signed the dotted line. So here are 10 must-check plumbing and gas items before committing to your new castle.
1. Water Pressure (Is it more drizzle than sizzle?)
Turn on the taps and showers. Weak pressure could mean anything from clogged pipes to undersized mains or hidden leaks. Low pressure is annoying – and it might be a red flag for bigger problems lurking behind the walls.
2. Hot Water System (How old is that tank?)
A hot water unit nearing the end of its life (usually 8–12 years for electric or gas systems) could set you back thousands. Check the age, service history, and whether it’s sized correctly for the household.
Rich’s tip: Solar hot water? Make sure it’s working and backed up by electric or gas for cloudy days.
3. Drainage (Listen for gurgling!)
Run the sinks and tubs, flush the toilets, and listen for gurgling or slow drains. These could be early signs of blockages, tree root invasion, or poor pipe design. If hydro jetting is needed later, better to know upfront.
4. Toilet Trouble (Wobbly throne?)
A rocking toilet or constant running water might seem minor, but they can point to seal failures, water waste, or poor installation. And no one wants a dodgy dunny.
5. Leaks & Water Stains (Check under sinks and around ceilings)
Have a peek under all sinks and vanity units. Look for signs of leaking – dampness, swelling wood, mould, or watermarks. Don’t forget to look up, too – ceiling stains can signal past or current plumbing issues upstairs.
6. Gas Appliances & Connections (Trust your nose – and a gas fitter)
Gas cooktops, heaters, and outdoor BBQ connections should be checked for compliance, safety, and condition. Any smell of gas is an urgent no-go. A licensed gas fitter (like us!) can perform a leak test and inspection to ensure it’s up to code.
7. Outdoor Taps & Drainage
Test garden taps and hoses for leaks or rusted fixtures. Also, check that water drains away from the house properly during rain. Poor outdoor drainage can lead to foundation damage or soggy landscaping.
8. Backflow Prevention Devices
Backflow prevention is critical for keeping your drinking water clean and safe. If the property has irrigation, a pool, check that backflow devices are installed, tested, and certified. We do annual testing for heaps of Brisbane and SEQ homes and government sites – so you’re in good hands with our team.
9. Sewer Access & History (Know what you’re inheriting)
Find out if the home is connected to mains sewer or has a septic system. Request any maintenance records and inspections. A pre-purchase camera inspection of the sewer line is worth its weight in gold – it can reveal cracks, tree roots, or dodgy joins.
10. Plumbing Compliance Certificates & Recent Work
Ask the seller for plumbing compliance certificates for any renovations, hot water system installs, or gas fitting work. These aren’t just paperwork – they protect you legally and ensure the work was done by a licensed tradie (like our crew!).
My Bonus Tip: Don’t DIY the inspection!
It’s tempting to tick off a few things yourself (we all love a hands-on Aussie!), but when it comes to plumbing and gas, it’s best left to the professionals. A licensed pre-purchase inspection by a plumber or gas fitter could save you thousands and help with negotiating the price or conditions of sale.
Need a hand before you buy?
We offer Plumbing & Gas Inspections all across Brisbane and South East Queensland, including expert and honest advice. Whether it’s a family home, townhouse, or apartment, we’ll make sure you’re not walking into a plumbing nightmare.
Want peace of mind before you pop the champagne?
Give Rich and the team at AGPCo a call – no judgment, no jargon, just good honest advice and a thorough look at what’s flowing (or not) behind the scenes.
📞 0404 823 184
📩 admin@agpco.com.au
🔧 Trusted by local families and businesses in the Brisbane area.
With over 30 years in the plumbing industry he provides a level headed and experience approach to all client related work.He is genuine person with a keen interest in family, friends and helping others.
He holds Queensland Plumbing Licence 28840, Gas Licence L31 902, QBCC License 12 654 79, and Building Assets and Services Contractor licence 860 066.
Rich believes in educating clients about their plumbing systems and providing honest advice about when professional help is needed.
He founded Alexander Gas and Plumbing Co in 2013 to provide personal, trustworthy service to Brisbane families and businesses.
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