What do I need to pay attention to in terms of plumbing and heating when I buy a house in the United States?
Electrical distribution system
- Malfunctioning lighting fixtures
- Damaged electrical outlets
- Faulty electrical outlets controlled by bedroom switches
- Incorrect wiring
- Mismatch between switchboard wiring and switch
- Distribution panel switch is overloaded
Only one line can be connected to a switch. If two or more lines are connected to one switch, it will cause overload.
- Distribution panel switch overheating
Overloaded wiring, voltage or current mismatch between the switch and the wire can cause the switch to overheat.
- Corroded wires
Some old houses use aluminum wires that will oxidize and corrode over time.
- Power distribution panels are hard to find
In an emergency, damage may increase if firefighters cannot locate the switchboard in time.
- Poorly grounded appliances
The grounding wire of any electrical appliance should be properly grounded, otherwise it may cause personal injury.
- Poorly grounded wiring
Every home has a ground wire at the water meter or near the exterior of the home. This wire should be well grounded. If it has paint on it, the paint should be removed.
- Ground fault circuit interruption
A grounded short circuit protection pin is a power plug installed in kitchens, bathrooms, and other areas near water sources. If it fails, it will not work as a protection in case of an accident.
- Tight wires
Outdoor power cords that are too tight or have tree branches pressing on them may cause a hazard.
- Uncovered junction boxes or outlets or switches
Any power junction boxes, plugs and switches should be covered with a plate on the outside.
- Unsafe wire splits
- Outdoor electrical wiring
The outer skin may peel off after years of exposure to sun and wind.
- Water supply and drainage system
- Bad water catch basin
Any equipment installed outside the basement, such as water heaters, washing machines, air conditioners, etc., which may drip and leak, should be equipped with a catch tray with a lead pipe leading to the outdoors at the bottom of the tray, and this tray is sometimes damaged.
- Surfing bathtub
If not used for a long time, sometimes the spray pipe will be clogged.
- Broken sink nozzle
The kitchen sink faucet is equipped with a spray hose, and sometimes the water switch is out of order or damaged.
- Corroded sink drains
Most of the drains in old houses are made of metal, which often corrode and eventually lead to breakage.
- Defective toilets
Because toilets are often used, the parts inside are mostly made of plastic or plastic, which are easily damaged over time. In particular, the baffle in the toilet tank is made of rubber, which will age with long-term use and does not have a water blocking function, which will result in a long water flow and lead to increased water bills.
- Pressure piping is defective
The pressure of the inlet pipe coming in from outside is very high, and the material should be copper pipe. However, in the past, some construction companies used plastic pipes in order to save money. In the long run, the aging of plastic cannot resist pressure.
- Discharge of grey water
Some washing machines discharge the wash water directly outdoors, which is not allowed in most areas. The waste water should be discharged into the sewer.
- Faulty faucets
Often, faucets are equipped with an air mixing valve at the outlet, which can sometimes be clogged or left out.
- Faulty shower sump
The shower sump may be cracked or have glued joints that cause leaks.
- Improperly ventilated water heater
The water heater is equipped with a pressure reducing valve with a pressure venting pipe at the pressure reducing valve that should lead to the floor with the opening no higher than 6 feet above the floor.
- Leaky plumbing
Leaking plumbing systems should be inspected annually for areas that are not frequently occupied, such as basements.
- Shower leaks
Showers and tubs are prone to leaks, which can damage the floor and structure of the house over time.
- Toilet seal failure
Since toilets are used daily, they can gradually loosen and even cause leaks.
- Unprotected water heaters
In some houses, water heaters are installed in inappropriate locations, such as in the garage, which can lead to accidental collisions.
- Wrong water pipe connection
Some faucets have incorrect hot and cold water switches, resulting in the wrong direction when the faucet is turned on.
- Broken main water pipe
The incoming water pipe from the home to the water meter on the road may leak. Although the water meter is broken, the homeowner should be responsible for the repair and cost.
- Heating and cooling equipment
- Clogged outside air conditioner
There should not be anything around the radiator of outdoor air conditioner, there should be some space for heat dissipation, and the radiator should be placed horizontally.
- Air conditioner malfunction
If the air conditioning equipment is malfunctioning, the power of the whole unit should be cut off. The cooling effect should reach a temperature difference of 12°F or more, otherwise it indicates the need to replenish the coolant.
- Gas line failure
Pipes connecting natural gas water heaters, heaters and fireplaces can leak. The connections controlling the gas are the most likely to leak and should be measured with a special gas detector.
- Loose air ducts
Ventilation ducts for coolers should be well ventilated or they will increase heating and cooling costs.
- Insulation is old
House insulation gradually loses its effectiveness over time and should be replenished or renewed, and insulation in basement walls may fall off.
