Bathroom Fixtures – If They Leak, So Will Your Pocket

Before you inspect the home you plan to buy for interior home checking, you should make sure that you have a checklist that does not omit any important detail. Bathrooms are obvious places for damage from uncontrolled water. Fixtures like tubs, toilets, sinks, showers are prone to leaking with age.

Interior Home Checking: Points to consider in Bathroom Fixtures

While you are at it, open and close vanity door and wooden cabinets to see if they are in good condition. Are the counter tops and cabinets okay? Is its style outdated or comfortable? How about mirrors and storage space? Is the bathroom well lit? How about the bathroom door? Is the wood swollen, or not aligned, thanks to damp?

Are there fans in the bathrooms? Are they ducted to the outside? Are the toilet bowls, tiles, sink and bathtub unstained, working and in good condition? Does the bathroom have a ground fault interrupter (GFI) installed?

The sink comes next. Turn on the water fully and watch whether the water drains out fully as fast as it pours in. If it doesn’t, it means repairing the drain. Check for moisture from leakage.



Next, check whether there is any looseness in the tank by rocking the toilet gently. This may be just a matter of loose bolts or leaky rubber washers. If neither is the problem, then it could be serious trouble. Look for signs of water stain or damage at the base of the toilet – watch it as you flush to see if the flush mechanism is okay.

Interior Home Checking: Leakages are Expensive to Fix

A little water goes a long way in leakages. It is vital to find the source and estimate what it might cost to fix. Faucet drips or leaks must be repaired.

Fiberglass tubs and shower bases must be checked for hairline cracks that will open the moment you climb into them. Filling it with a few inches of water can check leakages in the tub. If it leaks around the base, it could mean a bad drain pan. This should be waterproof material installed under the tub and if this liner leaks, you’ll need to replace the tub and shower!

If you find deteriorating joints or grout lines in a tub or shower, it means costly repair. Check the plumbing – copper supply lines are better than galvanized ones, which tend to rust. There must be suitable flooring and sub flooring. If the flooring is vinyl, the sub flooring must be plywood not particleboard! Tile must always be installed on a concrete base.

Before buying the new house, make sure that you have checked the all the issues listed above in order to avoid paying a hefty amount for repairs!