how can you tell if you have frozen pipes if the water isn't on?

Question

i'm trying to buy this house but the people who own it shut off all the utilities including the water and they won't turn them back on for me. so when i walk through the house what do i look for to see if their is a problem. the utilities have been off for about a month but it has been really cold. is there any other problems i should be looking for... please help

Answer 1

put that in the contract that you have 60days to have the wiring, pluming, appliences ect check and if there is a problem they will have to pay.

Answer 2

Has the house been winterized properly? If not and it has been cold enough, every toilet will be cracked and probably every p-trap in the house will need to be replaced. If it has copper pipe, look for a bulge and a split. Look closely at the toilets and the traps under sinks. If the water in the toilet bowl is frozen solid chances are the toilet is cracked and broken, and if that has frozen solid you will most likely have some pretty significant plumbing repairs. Someone said if the water is shut off the pipes will be clear, not true, they will be full of water unless properly drained. If the water company shut the water off and nobody winterized the house the supply lines probably broke somewhere.

Oh yeah the water heater, try to rock it and listen for water sloshing, if that freezes solid, it will crack and you need one of those too.

Bottom line, if it wasn't winterized properly, It WILL have major plumbing issues. If they tell you it was, ask to see the receipt from the plumber that did it and if they say they did it, assume the worst.

Answer 3

If the water has been off then the pipes should be clear and not frozen. For your own sanity and safety though have your attorney draw up a paper signed by the home owners that all of the utilities are functioning properly, and if not they will pay for the repairs.Be sure to have a proper home inspection done., also check for cracks in the foundation and the walls.The seller should have to do a full disclosure of any problems. Check for termites. Don't forget to have the septic checked

Answer 4

Have a home inspection done. They are usually able to get the people to cooperate. Plus you can usually hold them liable too for a false report. But like the above answer said. I too think it would be wise to get it put in the contract about anything that cannot be checked cause it was shut off. Ask your lawyer too. They can advise you as to what you are allowed to do. Chances are if you make a bid then they will turn it on and it will be checked. If not and nobody cooperates then I wouldn't go with it. It's an awfully big risk. But I'm sure there is a way around this.

Answer 5

Can you ask the neighbors if their pipes have frozen? Of course, explain why you care so they don't think it's a weird situation.

If you don't leave water even just trickling a little, and the pipes are under the house, you probably can bet they're frozen.

I don't live where that's a problem, but my husband is from the midwest and we were just talking about this recently.

Good luck.

Answer 6

If the heat is off and the temps have been been below freezing. Unless all the water pipes have been drained. The sewer drains have RV non toxic antifreeze in them. All the pipes have frozen. Its not good to keep the heat on in a house below 55 in a cold climate. Its not good on the drywall or the plumbing. I would stay clear unless its fixer upper. Thats going to be a real good deal for your area.

Answer 7

Ask the owners one question.Was the home winterized? This will be important information needed before buying the home.

Answer 8

There is no way to tell unless water is on. If you can sneak there without the owners knowing then you can turn it on your self. Its really easy all you need is some pliers, go to the water meter and turn it on.

Answer 9

There is no way I would buy a house when I had no way to properly view it....