Spring is one of the busiest seasons for real estate in Wichita, Kansas. If you’re house hunting right now, you’re probably focused on curb appeal, school districts, and inspection reports.

But there’s one thing many buyers overlook:

The plumbing system.

Older homes, especially in some of Wichita’s most charming neighborhoods, can come with hidden plumbing issues. Before you close this spring, here are three areas where a professional plumbing inspection is especially important.

Riverside

Riverside is known for its beautiful historic homes near the Arkansas River. Many properties here were built in the early 1900s, which means the plumbing systems may be decades old. Its proximity to the river and historical charm are among Riverside’s popular selling points, but these can also lead to problems that homeowners need to consider.

Potential Plumbing Issues In Riverside:

  • Original galvanized steel pipes (prone to corrosion)
  • Aging sewer lines can crack and cause flooding or smells
  • Tree root intrusion (common near mature trees)
  • Outdated water heaters
  • Lead service lines in very old homes - these should be identified and replaced
  • Increased flood risks: depending on your proximity to the river, ensuring that you have both a sump pump and a backup sump pump could save you thousands in flood damage.

Even if a home looks beautifully updated, plumbing behind the walls may not be. Corroded pipes can restrict water pressure and eventually leak. Sewer line repairs can cost thousands if issues aren’t caught early.

College Hill

College Hill is one of Wichita’s most desirable historic neighborhoods, filled with character homes from the 1920s-40s. This charming neighborhood is walkable, centrally located and popular for its proximity to local business and older homes with beautiful curb appeal and older charm. But with charm often comes aging infrastructure.

Plumbing Concerns in College Hill:

  • Cast iron sewer lines (can crack over time)
  • Slab or basement plumbing shifts
  • Older water supply lines
  • Inconsistent water pressure
  • Hard water buildup in older pipes
  • Old water heaters

Many homes in this area have been partially renovated, meaning some plumbing may be updated, but not all of it. A professional inspection can determine what’s original and what’s been replaced. This could potentially save you thousands of dollars down the line, avoiding an emergency that you weren’t anticipated after your investment in your new home.

Delano

Delano blends historic homes with newer redevelopment. Homes in the historic Delano neighborhood date in the early 1900s-1920s, with access to the city’s largest festivals and downtown activities. As the neighborhood has undergone revitalization in recent years, homes have also been renovated for sale. Keep an eye on potential shortcuts in the plumbing updates during remodels.

Common Plumbing Issues in Delano:

  • Aging sewer laterals
  • Foundation settling, affecting pipes and causing slab leaks
  • Outdated shut-off valves
  • Mixed plumbing materials from past repairs
  • Water heaters near end of lifespan

Even smaller homes can come with expensive underground sewer repairs if not properly inspected.

Why a Plumbing Inspection Is Worth It

A general home inspection is important, but it may not include a full sewer scope or detailed plumbing evaluation.

A plumbing inspection before closing can help identify:

✔ Hidden leaks
✔ Water pressure issues
✔ Corrosion inside pipes
✔ Sewer line damage
✔ Water heater condition
✔ Code violations
✔ Broken or malfunctioning fixtures
✔ Dated water heaters
✔ Non-functioning sump pumps
✔ Problems with Shut Off Valves
✔ Exterior plumbing fixtures in need of repair

In Wichita’s older neighborhoods, this step can prevent major surprise expenses after move-in. 

Why Spring Buyers Should Be Extra Careful

Spring brings:

  • Heavy rain (stress on sewer systems)
  • Increased water usage
  • Real estate competition (pressure to waive inspections)

It’s tempting to skip specialized inspections in a competitive market, but plumbing repairs can quickly exceed $5,000-$15,000 depending on the issue. While home inspectors may typically check visible issues, such as leaks on exposed drain lines and proper toilet flushing and stability, our licensed plumbers have a full inspection checklist that will ensure you know every detail about your potential home’s plumbing system. 

Schedule a Plumbing Inspection Before You Close

If you’re buying in Riverside, College Hill, or Delano, a professional plumbing inspection is one of the smartest investments you can make.

At Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Wichita, we help homebuyers:

  • Inspect aging plumbing systems
  • Perform sewer camera inspections
  • Evaluate water heater condition
  • Identify potential code or safety issues

So you can move into your new Wichita home with confidence, not surprise repair bills.