I am a pretty good DIY plumber and an okay DIY electrician. However, in every home where I had to do the work always had a basement or crawl space. I am getting ready to buy a house without either and my question is:
How do you access the plumbing and electrical if you can’t get to it from the basement. I know it’s in the walls and I will probably have to cut sheet rock to get to it. But I guess what I’m really asking is how do you detect where the exact problem is? Whether it be a leaky pipe or running an extra outlet.
I guess I will have to access wiring from the attic but still not sure about plumbing.
Thanks.
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There are meters to help you figure out which wire from your panel box is "dead", ask at the home improvement store which will work with your needs. Also, There may be major leaks (if the house is on a solid concrete floor) that requires a professional. However, a standard stud-finder will help locate pipes in the walls, or if you have the old galvanized pipes, try a magnet.
Also, before you buy the house, have a professional inspection done so if there are leaks or electric problems that propose a fire hazard, you will have a heads up on them and may be able to negotiate a lower buying price to compensate for the cost of repairs.