It is a foreclosed property. It seems there could have been some freezing before winterization of the plumbing. The water was only on for about ten minutes. We had to shut it off because of the leaky faucets. I‘m scared that the interior copper plumbing could be busted, although we didn‘t notice any water coming through the cieling or walls, but again it was only on for 10 minutes. We need to get it inspected by a plumber so we know how much to take off our offering price. Any suggestions??
The faucets could have been the first to freeze, but I would bet that you have some broken fittings. I test the plumbing by using compressed air, that way there is not the filling of water and soaking of plaster with a water filled line. First cap or shut off all valves then pressurize the lines with air, you will hear the air rushing from any breaks. When the repairs are done, leave the lines pressurized with air overnight at 32 lbs.
There is a distinct possibility there are more problems if freezing occurred. Pipes don't usually get broken by ice. There is actually a plumbing tool that freezes water in a line to allow repairing leaks. Pipes are broken by water pressure. As the ice expands in the line, extremely high hydrostatic pressures can build that rupture the lines, break fittings, and damage appliances (including faucets). This damage can occur quite a long distance form the frozen pipe. Anticipate a hide-and-seek game for leaks if you acquire this property. G'luck!
There is a distinct possibility there are more problems if freezing occurred. Pipes don't usually get broken by ice. There is actually a plumbing tool that freezes water in a line to allow repairing leaks. Pipes are broken by water pressure. As the ice expands in the line, extremely high hydrostatic pressures can build that rupture the lines, break fittings, and damage appliances (including faucets). This damage can occur quite a long distance form the frozen pipe. Anticipate a hide-and-seek game for leaks if you acquire this property. G'luck!
Usually foreclosed homes are sold as is. I suggest you get a plumber to inspect all the plumbing and give you an estimate on the cost of repairs. Also, anything you have doubts about, have a person certified in that particular field to inspect it and write out an estimate for the cost of repairs. It is better to be overly prepared than not at all. My husband and I recently purchased a house, the seller, and the realtor, were less than forth coming about problems the home had. The home inspector could not have found these problems. We have lived in our home less than six months and Saturday, had to rip up three rooms of tile floors. When you mop these floors, the water would lay under the tile. The floors were soaked underneath. There had been a fire in the chimney which burned the chimney up. The cost of repairs was $1,597.00. Only a certified chimney inspector could tell this. The septic system for our home is 10 yrs. old. It had never been serviced, inspected, or pumped. The cost of that was a bit over $600.00. When it rains, six inches of water lays under our house. None of these things were disclosed to us prior to buying our home. The home inspector did not find these things, they needed to be inspected by certified inspectors. Be cautious! It can save you alot of money and grief. We have a lawyer and are in the process of suing the seller and the realtor.
The faucets could have been the first to freeze, but I would bet that you have some broken fittings. I test the plumbing by using compressed air, that way there is not the filling of water and soaking of plaster with a water filled line. First cap or shut off all valves then pressurize the lines with air, you will hear the air rushing from any breaks. When the repairs are done, leave the lines pressurized with air overnight at 32 lbs.
Usually foreclosed homes are sold as is. I suggest you get a plumber to inspect all the plumbing and give you an estimate on the cost of repairs. Also, anything you have doubts about, have a person certified in that particular field to inspect it and write out an estimate for the cost of repairs. It is better to be overly prepared than not at all. My husband and I recently purchased a house, the seller, and the realtor, were less than forth coming about problems the home had. The home inspector could not have found these problems. We have lived in our home less than six months and Saturday, had to rip up three rooms of tile floors. When you mop these floors, the water would lay under the tile. The floors were soaked underneath. There had been a fire in the chimney which burned the chimney up. The cost of repairs was $1,597.00. Only a certified chimney inspector could tell this. The septic system for our home is 10 yrs. old. It had never been serviced, inspected, or pumped. The cost of that was a bit over $600.00. When it rains, six inches of water lays under our house. None of these things were disclosed to us prior to buying our home. The home inspector did not find these things, they needed to be inspected by certified inspectors. Be cautious! It can save you alot of money and grief. We have a lawyer and are in the process of suing the seller and the realtor.
