Older Home Plumbing Checklist

Buying an Older Boise Home? Here’s the Plumbing Checklist You Need Before You Sign

Boise’s housing market continues to move. And many of the homes changing hands date back several decades. And that’s a good thing! Properties built from the 1960s through the 1990s offer charm, mature neighborhoods, and solid construction. However, they also come with plumbing systems that deserve close attention before closing day.

A thorough plumbing review helps buyers avoid costly surprises and gives sellers clarity before negotiations begin. For realtors, it provides peace of mind and smoother transactions. Knowing what to look for makes all the difference.

Why Older Boise Homes Need Special Plumbing Attention

Homes built decades ago often contain materials, layouts, and installation methods that no longer meet modern standards. While many of these systems still function, age increases the likelihood of hidden wear.

Boise homes from this era commonly include:

• Galvanized or aging copper supply lines
• Cast iron or clay sewer lines
• Original shutoff valves nearing failure
• Outdated water heaters
• Plumbing modifications completed without permits

A home inspection may flag general concerns, but it rarely evaluates plumbing at the depth needed to assess long-term risk.

Water Supply Lines: The First System to Check

• Supply pipes quietly deteriorate over time. Internal corrosion restricts flow, increases pressure stress, and eventually leads to leaks.
• Galvanized steel pipes, common in older Idaho homes, corrode from the inside out. Reduced water pressure, rust-colored water, and inconsistent flow often signal advanced deterioration.
• Copper piping lasts longer but still develops pinhole leaks and joint failures after decades of use. Identifying material type and overall condition early helps buyers plan realistically.

Sewer Lines: The Most Expensive Surprise to Miss

In most cases, sewer line repairs rank among the costliest plumbing issues homeowners face. Older Boise homes often rely on cast iron or clay sewer lines buried beneath yards, driveways, or sidewalks.

Common warning signs include:

• Slow drains throughout the house
• Recurring backups
• Sewer odors
• Lush patches of grass over buried lines

A sewer line camera inspection provides invaluable insight. Without it, buyers may inherit thousands of dollars in repairs weeks after moving in.

Drain Systems and Venting

Drain lines handle daily wear from grease, soap, food debris, and mineral buildup. Older drain systems frequently develop restrictions that don’t cause immediate failure but worsen quickly.

Proper venting also matters. Inadequate or deteriorated vent pipes lead to slow drainage, gurgling sounds, and sewer gas intrusion. These issues often appear after renovations that altered original plumbing layouts.

Shutoff Valves: Small Parts With Big Consequences
Many older homes still use original shutoff valves. Over time, these valves seize, leak, or fail completely. When an emergency happens, a non-functioning shutoff turns a small leak into major water damage.

Buyers should verify:

• Main water shutoff location and function
• Individual fixture shutoffs
• Accessibility during emergencies
• Replacing outdated valves offers inexpensive insurance against costly damage.

Water Heaters and Supply Connections

Water heaters typically last 8–12 years. In older homes, heaters often exceed that range or rely on outdated venting and supply connections.

Important items to check include:

• Unit age and capacity
• Rust or corrosion at fittings
• Improper venting
• Missing expansion tanks

Even a functioning heater may sit near the end of its service life. Knowing this before closing allows buyers to budget accurately.

Past Plumbing Modifications and DIY Work

Older homes frequently undergo renovations over the years. Not all plumbing updates meet current code or professional standards.

DIY modifications sometimes introduce:

• Improper pipe sizing
• Mixed materials causing corrosion
• Hidden leaks behind walls
• Poorly vented fixtures

A professional plumbing inspection identifies these issues before they become negotiation problems—or post-sale headaches.

Why a Plumbing Inspection Goes Beyond a General Home Inspection

General home inspectors provide a broad overview. They don’t perform camera inspections, pressure testing, or in-depth evaluations of hidden plumbing systems.

A dedicated plumbing inspection focuses on function, longevity, and risk. It answers questions buyers and sellers truly care about: what works now, what needs attention soon, and what could fail unexpectedly.

That clarity protects everyone involved in the transaction.

How This Helps Buyers, Sellers, and Realtors

Buyers gain confidence and avoid unpleasant surprises. Sellers address issues proactively instead of reacting under pressure. Realtors benefit from smoother deals, fewer delays, and better-informed clients.

Plumbing transparency reduces renegotiations and last-minute complications, especially in competitive Boise markets.

Timing Matters Before You Sign

Plumbing inspections work best before contracts finalize or contingencies expire. Early evaluations give buyers leverage and sellers options.

Waiting until after closing transfers all risk to the new owner—and often leads to regret.

Peace of Mind Comes From Knowing the Whole Story

Older homes bring character and value, but only when buyers understand what lies behind the walls and beneath the yard. A clear plumbing checklist transforms uncertainty into informed decision-making.

Professional plumbing evaluations help protect investments, relationships, and long-term satisfaction. So, before you make an offer on an older home, call us to evaluate the system so you know what you’re getting into before signing on the dotted line!

About Plumbing Solutions of Idaho in Meridian, Idaho

Plumbing Solutions of Idaho is a trusted, full-service plumbing company proudly serving Meridian, Boise, and communities across the Treasure Valley. Whether you need a skilled Boise plumber to fix toilets, clear drains, repair water heaters, or handle full re-pipes, our team is equipped to deliver prompt, professional service. As your go-to source for expert plumbing in Idaho, we offer dependable solutions for both residential and commercial properties. With a commitment to quality work and local integrity, Plumbing Solutions of Idaho is the name to call when you need reliable plumbing in Boise and throughout Southern Idaho.