Submitted by David Heffner of Heffner Plumbing

When purchasing an existing home, here are some plumbing related things to look at or consider:

1. How old is the water heater, and is it the original one from when the house was built?
2. How old is the sump pump, and is there a battery back-up system installed?
3. If the house is on city water, what is the incoming water pressure? If it is above 80 PSI, you will need to have a pressure reducing valve installed.
4. If the house is on a well, how old is the pump and pressure tank?
5. What condition is the garbage disposal in?
6. Is there a water softener? If not, all of the appliances (water heater, dishwasher, clothes washer) will have a shorter life because of hard water.

David Heffner is a licensed plumbing contractor in the state of Indiana and is bonded and insured. Heffner Plumbing is a highly rated company with Angie’s List and has received the Super Service Award every year since 2004. Heffner received the 2009 Contractor of the Year Award by the Greater Indianapolis Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors (GIPHCC) and is a complaint free company with the Better Business Bureau.

As of Oct. 28, 2011, this service provider was highly rated on Angie’s List. Ratings are subject to change based on consumer feedback, so check AngiesList.com for the most up-to-date reviews. The views expressed by this author do not necessarily reflect those of Angie’s List.