What Plumbing Problems Should I Watch Out for When Buying a Home in Bellevue, PA?

revelationplumbing5
Oct 1
4 min read

common plumbing issues in Bellevue written by Pittsburgh Plumber

What Plumbing Problems Should I Watch Out for When Buying a Home in Bellevue, PA?

Buying a home in Bellevue is exciting — the tree-lined streets, charming older houses, and close-knit community make it one of Pittsburgh’s most desirable neighborhoods.

But there’s something many buyers don’t think about until it’s too late: the plumbing system hiding behind the walls and beneath the yard.

If you’re considering purchasing a home in Bellevue, here’s what you need to know about the age of these homes and the plumbing issues you may run into.

The Age of Bellevue Homes Matters

Most homes in Bellevue were built in the early-to-mid 1900s. Many are over 80 years old, and while that gives the area its character, it also means the plumbing is often just as old.

Original sewer lines in these homes were typically made from terracotta, cast iron, or even Orangeburg pipe (a tar-and-paper product popular in the 1940s–70s).
Copper water pipes were common mid-century, and while they lasted decades, many are now reaching the end of their lifespan.
Galvanized steel pipes, if still in place, are often corroded and restricting water flow.

When you’re looking at a Bellevue home, you’re not just buying beautiful architecture — you’re also inheriting decades-old plumbing.

Pinhole Leaks in Copper Pipes

pinhole leaks in a Bellevue home in Pittsburgh repaired by a Pittsburgh Plumber

One of the most common issues we see in Bellevue homes is pinhole leaks in copper water lines.

These leaks are tiny at first — just a drip or two — but they can quickly cause water damage behind walls or ceilings.
Pittsburgh’s water chemistry contributes to copper corrosion over time.
If you notice green stains or discoloration on copper pipes, that’s a red flag.

Many homeowners in Bellevue are choosing to repipe with PEX-A, which is more resistant to corrosion and lasts longer.

Sewer Lines Past Their Life Expectancy

terracotta pipe repair to the main sewer line by Revelation Plumbing in Bellevue

Bellevue’s tree-lined streets are gorgeous, but those same trees can wreak havoc on old sewer lines.

Terracotta pipes are prone to root intrusion.
Cast iron pipes corrode and collapse from the inside out.
Orangeburg pipes flatten under pressure like wet cardboard.

When these lines fail, the result is the same: sewage backups in your basement or yard. It’s one of the most disruptive (and expensive) surprises a new homeowner can face.

That’s why we always recommend a sewer camera inspection before closing. Spending a little now could save you thousands later.

Common Plumbing Red Flags in Bellevue Homes

If you’re touring homes in Bellevue, here are some signs to look for:

🚰 Low water pressure → may indicate corroded or clogged pipes.
💧 Green or white staining on copper pipes → early corrosion/pinhole leaks.
🚽 Slow or gurgling drains → potential sewer line failure.
🏚️ Water damage on ceilings or walls → hidden leaks behind the drywall.
🌳 Large trees in the yard → higher chance of root intrusion in sewer lines.

Why Bellevue Homebuyers Should Always Get a Sewer Camera Inspection

Buying a home in Bellevue is a big milestone — but it can also come with hidden plumbing problems that cost thousands of dollars if they aren’t caught early.

One of the biggest expenses new homeowners face is replacing a sewer line that’s past its lifespan, and that’s not something you want to discover after moving in.

Here’s the catch: most standard home inspections do not include a sewer camera scope. That means major issues like collapsed pipes, root intrusion, or deteriorating sewer lines often go unnoticed until it’s too late.

At Revelation Plumbing, we recommend scheduling a sewer camera inspection before you buy. This simple step shows you the condition of the home’s sewer line upfront, so you can make a confident decision and avoid unexpected repairs that can run $10,000–$20,000.

The key is catching problems before you buy. A camera inspection or pressure test during your home inspection is the best investment you can make as a buyer that will leave you with power to negotiate the repair costs off the purchase price of the home.

Should I Get a Plumbing Inspection Before Buying a Home in Bellevue?

Yes — absolutely. A general home inspection often won’t go deep enough. Only a licensed plumber can:

Run a sewer camera through the line.
Identify the type of water piping (and whether it’s failing).
Spot warning signs of leaks, backups, or corrosion.

Think of it this way: a plumbing inspection could save you tens of thousands of dollars in unexpected repairs after you move in.

Final Thoughts: Protect Your Investment in Bellevue

Buying a home in Bellevue doesn’t mean you should expect disaster — but it does mean you need to be informed. The age of these homes means plumbing systems are often at or beyond their life expectancy.

At Revelation Plumbing, we specialize in helping Pittsburgh-area homeowners uncover plumbing issues before they become emergencies. Whether you need a sewer camera inspection, leak detection, or a full replacement, our team of licensed and insured master plumbers will come to the rescue.