So, you’re thinking about buying a house in Amarillo? That’s awesome! Whether it’s your first home or your fifth, it’s a big step. You’ve probably already checked the schools, scoped out the neighborhood, and maybe even imagined where your couch will go.
But before you fall head over heels for that charming front porch or dreamy kitchen, there’s something else that needs your attention, the plumbing.
Yep, the pipes, the drains, the stuff you don’t usually see. It might not be as exciting as a new backsplash or fancy light fixtures, but trust us, ignoring the plumbing can lead to a wallet-draining disaster later.
So grab your notepad, and let’s walk through the top plumbing checks you should do before you buy that house in Amarillo.
Need a trusted plumber? Call Plumbing Amarillo TX for fast & reliable service.
1. Turn On Every Faucet, Seriously
Don’t be shy. Walk through the house and turn on every faucet, kitchen, bathroom, utility room, all of them.
Why? You want to check the water pressure and flow. If water trickles out like it’s shy or takes forever to heat up, that’s not a good sign.
Watch how fast it comes out, how hot it gets, and how quickly it cools. A strong, steady flow is what you want. Low pressure could mean hidden leaks, clogged pipes, or even old plumbing that needs to be replaced.
Many Amarillo homes experience hard water buildup, which can affect pressure. Check how water hardness affects plumbing over time.
2. Peek Under Every Sink
Bend down and open those cabinet doors like you’re looking for snacks. Check under all sinks for moisture, puddles, water stains, rust, or musty smells.
What are you looking for?
- Signs of past leaks
- Mold or mildew
- Dripping pipes
- Water-damaged wood
Even a small leak can cause major damage over time. And trust us, mold doesn’t just look gross. It can be bad for your health and super expensive to fix.
3. Flush All the Toilets
This one’s simple, but important.
Flush every toilet in the house. Watch how fast the water goes down. Does the bowl fill up again quickly? Is it noisy? Does it keep running?
What you’re checking:
- A strong flush
- No leaks around the base
- No wobbling
- No weird gurgling noises
A toilet that rocks back and forth isn’t just annoying. It can mean a loose seal, which can lead to leaks or floor damage.
4. Ask About the Water Heater
The water heater might be hiding in a closet, garage, or even the attic. Find it and look around. Ask the homeowner or realtor a few key questions:
- How old is it?
- Has it ever been repaired or replaced?
- What size is it?
Water heaters don’t last forever. Most stick around for 8-12 years, and once they start leaking or making weird noises, you’re in for a replacement. Also, make sure it’s big enough for your household.
Got a family of five? A tiny 30-gallon tank might leave you with cold showers real quick.
A lot of Amarillo homes still have older models. Take a minute to see which water heaters are most efficient for homes.
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5. Walk Around and Look for Water Damage
Put on your detective hat. Take a slow walk through the house and look at the walls, ceilings, and floors. You’re looking for:
- Brown stains
- Warped flooring
- Bubbling paint
- Soft spots on drywall
- Musty smells
These can all point to past or current water leaks. And where there’s water damage, there might still be an active leak hiding behind the wall.
It’s easy to miss until it’s too late, which is why signs of water damage inside homes are worth knowing.
6. Don’t Forget the Laundry Room
Laundry rooms often get ignored, if no one’s paying attention. Check behind the washer and dryer. Are the water connections tight? Any puddles? Is the drain pipe secured?
Old or cracked hoses can burst, and that means major flooding. It’s a small space with big damage potential if things go wrong.
7. What Kind of Pipes Are in the House?
You don’t need to be a plumber to ask this question,
“What kind of pipes does this house have?”
Older homes in Amarillo may still have galvanized steel pipes. These can rust and clog up over time. Newer homes likely have copper or PEX piping, both are better and last longer.
If the home still has those old steel pipes, it might be time for an upgrade. And that’s not cheap.
8. Run All the Drains
Turn on the sink and let the water run for a bit. Does it drain quickly? Or does it bubble up and drain slowly like it’s stuck in traffic?
Do the same in the tub and shower. Watch for slow draining, odd smells, or gurgling sounds. These signs can point to clogs or bigger issues down in the sewer line.
9. Listen for Noises When Water Runs
Sometimes, plumbing tells on itself. When you run water, listen closely:
- Banging or knocking?
- Hissing?
- Rattling?
These could mean loose pipes, pressure problems, or air in the line. Pipes should be quiet. If they sound like they’re throwing a fit, something’s wrong.
10. Ask for a Sewer Line Inspection
Here’s a big one, especially in older Amarillo neighborhoods with mature trees.
Ask for a sewer camera inspection.
Tree roots can sneak into the sewer line and block it. Old clay or cast iron pipes can crack or collapse over time. And the worst part? You won’t know until sewage backs up into your bathtub.
A quick sewer inspection can save you thousands later. It’s not always included in a regular home inspection, but it’s worth every penny.
11. Check Outside the House Too
Don’t forget the yard! Plumbing isn’t just inside. Check these outdoor spots:
- Main water shut-off valve – Is it easy to find and turn?
- Sprinkler system – Does it work? Are there any soggy spots in the yard?
- Outdoor faucets – Any leaks or low pressure?
- Drainage – Does water flow away from the house or pool around the foundation?
Water should move away from your home, not toward it.
12. Still Not Sure? Call the Pros
Let’s face it, some things are hard to see unless you’re trained to spot them. If anything feels off or you’re just not sure, bring in a licensed plumber before you buy.
At Plumbing Amarillo TX, we’ve seen it all, leaky pipes hiding behind fresh paint, cracked sewer lines under perfect lawns, and toilets that look fine but are ready to quit.
We offer plumbing inspections for Amarillo homebuyers, and we’ll tell you the truth. No fluff. No scare tactics. Just straight-up facts.
Final Thoughts
Buying a house is one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make. Don’t let hidden plumbing problems turn your dream home into a money pit. Take the time to check the plumbing or call us at Plumbing Amarillo TX to do it for you. It could save you thousands, and a whole lot of stress.
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