Buying an Older Home in Bunbury? Plumbing and Gas Checks Before You Buy

Older homes in Bunbury and the South West can have plenty of character, but they can also hide ageing pipework, worn fixtures and outdated hot water or gas systems. Many of these issues aren’t obvious during a home open, and discovering them after moving in can lead to unexpected repair costs.

A standard building inspection may identify visible plumbing concerns, but it generally won’t include detailed checks of concealed pipes, drainage or gas appliances. Arranging a plumbing inspection in Bunbury with a licensed plumber, along with a gas assessment by a licensed gas fitter, can help uncover potential problems before committing to a purchase.

Check the Pipes for Hidden Leaks and Ageing Pipework

Older pipework can develop leaks that aren’t immediately visible during a property inspection. Look for damp patches, water stains, mould, warped flooring and unusually low water pressure, particularly around bathrooms, kitchens and laundries. If possible, check whether the water meter continues moving when all taps and water-using appliances are switched off, as this may indicate a hidden leak.

Some older homes still have galvanised steel pipes, which can corrode internally over time. Corrosion can restrict water flow, weaken pipe walls and increase the risk of leaks or burst pipes. Mineral deposits may also contribute to restricted water flow, depending on the property’s water supply. A plumber can assess whether corrosion or build-up inside older pipes is affecting water pressure. 

Not every leak requires walls or flooring to be extensively opened up. Mainline Plumbing uses specialised equipment for leak detection in Bunbury, helping locate hidden problems behind walls, beneath floors and underground without unnecessary damage. This allows buyers to better understand potential repair costs before purchasing.

Inspect the Drains, Sewer Connection and Toilets

Slow-draining sinks, gurgling pipes, unpleasant odours and overflowing outdoor gullies can indicate problems within a property’s drainage system. In older homes, tree roots may have entered damaged pipes, while deteriorating or collapsed sections can restrict wastewater flow and cause recurring blockages.

Before purchasing, ask the selling agent whether the property is connected to deep sewerage or relies on a septic system. If there’s a septic system, request any available servicing records and check its condition, as maintenance and potential repairs can add to the cost of owning the property. 

Toilets are also worth checking during an inspection. Look for constantly running water, weak flushing, a toilet pan that rocks when gently tested or water pooling around its base. These can indicate worn components, leaking seals or underlying drainage problems.

Mainline Plumbing uses specialised inspection equipment to investigate blocked drains in Bunbury, helping identify obstructions and damaged pipework so buyers can better understand potential repairs before committing to a property.

Assess the Age and Condition of the Hot Water System

An ageing hot water system can become an unexpected expense after purchasing an older home. Check the unit’s compliance or data plate for its manufacture date, or use the model and serial number to confirm its age. Rust around the tank, leaks at the base, discoloured water and inconsistent water temperatures can all indicate developing problems.

The type of system also affects ongoing running costs. Gas and electric storage systems keep water heated in a tank, while gas and electric instantaneous units heat water on demand, avoiding storage heat losses. Heat pump systems use electricity to extract heat from the surrounding air and are generally cheaper to run than conventional electric storage systems. Actual costs depend on household usage, energy tariffs and system efficiency.

If the unit is over 10 years old, it’s worth factoring a potential upgrade into your purchase budget, particularly if it shows signs of wear. Mainline Plumbing can assess the existing unit and advise whether repairs or a hot water system replacement in Bunbury would be more practical.

Get the Gas Lines and Appliances Professionally Inspected

Ageing gas pipework, worn connections and older cooktops, ovens or heaters deserve closer attention when buying an older home. Unflued gas heaters and appliances operating in poorly ventilated rooms can also pose a carbon monoxide risk, even when there are no obvious signs of a problem.

A rotten-egg smell, yellow flames where a cooktop burner would normally burn blue, or soot marks around appliances can indicate a potential fault. These signs should be assessed by a licensed gas fitter rather than investigated yourself. If you smell gas, avoid flames and electrical switches, move away from the affected area and contact your gas supplier from a safe location. Only isolate the gas supply if it is safe to do so. For immediate danger or a major gas leak, call 000. 

Mainline Plumbing provides professional gas inspections in Bunbury and across the South West. Its licensed gas fitters inspect pipework, connections, appliances and ventilation, test system pressure and check for leaks. Any identified faults are explained, helping buyers understand potential repair costs and plan for appliance replacements before purchasing.

Factor Bathroom, Kitchen and Laundry Plumbing Into Your Renovation Budget

Older bathrooms, kitchens and laundries may need more than cosmetic upgrades. Worn fixtures, outdated layouts and ageing or undersized pipework can require additional plumbing work before new fittings and appliances are installed.

If you’re planning to move a bathroom, open up a kitchen or relocate a laundry, it’s worth getting plumbing advice before finalising your renovation budget. Moving toilets, sinks or showers can involve relocating water connections and drainage pipes, particularly when pipework runs beneath concrete floors. These changes can significantly increase renovation costs.

Mainline Plumbing provides plumbing renovation services across Bunbury and the South West. Working with homeowners and builders, its licensed plumbers assess existing pipework, plan any required relocations, install new fixtures and test the completed plumbing work. 

Use the Findings Before Settlement and Be Ready After You Move In

A professional plumbing inspection can help buyers understand which problems need immediate attention and what repairs may cost. Ask the plumber to explain any identified faults and provide repair quotes where required. These can help you estimate the cost of bringing the plumbing up to standard or support discussions with the seller. If you’ve already signed a contract, your options will depend on its terms. Buyers in WA can consider including a specific plumbing inspection condition in their Offer and Acceptance contract before signing. 

Once you’ve moved in, locate the main water stop valve and gas meter isolation valve so you know where they are if an emergency occurs. Understanding how to safely shut off the water supply can help limit damage from a burst pipe or major leak.

It’s also worth saving the number of a 24/7 emergency plumber in Bunbury. Mainline Plumbing provides emergency support across Bunbury and the South West, including burst pipes, blocked drains and urgent plumbing problems.

Buying an Older Home in Bunbury? Book a Plumbing and Gas Check First

Mainline Plumbing has serviced Bunbury and the South West for nearly 40 years, with fully licensed plumbers and gas fitters experienced in diagnosing pipework, drainage, hot water and gas system problems. Speak with the team about which plumbing and gas checks are appropriate for the property you’re considering. 

Call (08) 9791 1608 or contact Mainline Plumbing to arrange the appropriate plumbing and gas checks in Bunbury or the surrounding South West.