Plumbing Inspections for New Property Buyers in Edinburgh

Plumbing Inspections for Edinburgh Property Buyers

Why a Plumbing Check Should Be on Every Homebuyer’s To-Do List

Buying a property in Edinburgh is exciting — whether it’s your first flat in Leith or a forever home in Morningside. But between mortgage paperwork and legal checks, one crucial task is often overlooked: a thorough plumbing inspection.

At Able Girl Plumbing, we regularly help buyers uncover hidden plumbing issues before they commit to a purchase. In this article, we’ll explain why plumbing inspections are so important, what’s involved, and how they can save you from costly surprises down the line.

Why Plumbing Inspections Matter

From historic tenement flats to new-build homes, plumbing systems can vary widely in condition and quality. Even if a property looks modern, the pipework hidden behind the walls may be decades old — and that’s not something a standard home report will always reveal in detail.

Common hidden issues include:

Old lead or steel pipework
Poor water pressure
Leaking joints or fittings
Failing hot water cylinders or immersion heaters
Unvented or outdated heating systems
Improper DIY plumbing work

A proper plumbing inspection helps you understand the current condition of the system, what might need replacing soon, and how much it could cost.

What’s Involved in a Plumbing Inspection?

At Able Girl Plumbing, our property inspections cover a range of essential checks, tailored to the age and layout of the home:

1. Visual Assessment of Pipework

We’ll inspect accessible pipework in the kitchen, bathroom, airing cupboard, and under floors (if accessible). We're looking for corrosion, leaks, or outdated materials like lead piping, which are still found in older Edinburgh homes.

2. Water Pressure and Flow Testing

We test flow rates at various outlets — taps, showers, garden hose — to check if water pressure is sufficient and consistent. Low pressure could indicate internal blockages or shared supply issues.

3. Hot Water System Check

We assess the boiler, hot water cylinder, or combi system for signs of wear, poor pressure, or incorrect installation. This is especially important if the heating system is more than 10 years old.

4. Drainage and Waste Pipe Checks

We’ll test sinks, baths, and showers for slow drainage — a common issue in older properties caused by poorly fitted or partially blocked pipework.

5. Toilet Functionality

We flush each toilet to ensure proper operation, water fill levels, and to spot any leaks or faulty flush valves.

6. Radiator and Heating Performance

While not a full heating survey, we’ll check for cold spots on radiators, signs of sludge build-up, and potential issues with pressure or circulation.

Special Considerations in Edinburgh Homes

Plumbing in Edinburgh presents some unique quirks depending on the type and age of the property:

Tenement Flats often have shared water supplies or poorly insulated pipework
Georgian and Victorian Homes may have outdated drainage or water tanks in the loft
Ex-local authority housing might have old systems that were never modernised
New Builds can still have issues like poorly fitted pipework or low-spec fixtures

An experienced plumber familiar with local housing stock — like our team at Able Girl Plumbing — can spot problems others might miss.

When Should You Book a Plumbing Inspection?

We recommend arranging an inspection before finalising your offer or during the “subject to survey” period. That way, if any major plumbing issues are uncovered, you can:

Request repairs before completion
Renegotiate your offer
Plan and budget for future upgrades

Peace of Mind for Property Buyers

A plumbing inspection might not be as glamorous as new kitchen plans or picking paint colours, but it can save you thousands in unexpected repairs — and give you real peace of mind.

Whether you’re buying a one-bedroom flat in Newington or a family home in Corstorphine, make plumbing part of your pre-purchase checklist.