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Step 1
Check the kitchen sink. Note whether the faucet is leaking at the base when the water is in use, and see whether the faucet is dripping from the spout before you turn on the water and after you turn it off. If a sprayer is attached, see if the spray is weak. A weak spray can indicate that the whole house has low water pressure, or a valve may be clogged with debris inside the faucet.
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Step 2
Look under the sink to make sure the faucet is not leaking there. Run your fingers along all the connections underneath the sink to check for moisture. If you detect moisture, that qualifies as a leak, and it may get worse over time. Also make sure the sink is firmly attached to its base.
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Step 3
Open all kitchen cabinets. Note whether the cabinets open and close easily and whether any of them are broken or warped. Check out the interior of the cabinets to see if they are large enough to be functional. Consider whether they're deep enough to store dinner plates or tall enough to accommodate pots, containers and boxes of food.
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Step 4
Know that you can often find several electrical problems in kitchens. Incompatible electrical outlets or receptacles are among common problems. Older houses may have two-prong, ungrounded receptacles, which won't work with today's grounded appliances. You'll need to have the receptacles replaced to accommodate both small and large appliances.
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Step 5
Understand that even an attractive countertop can have hidden problems. When inspecting the countertop, check the section between the back of the sink and the wall. A leaky faucet can cause rot in this area. Even if the faucet is not currently leaking, past leaks may have caused damage in the area.
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Step 6
Remember to check the floor for sagging areas near the refrigerator and dishwasher and beneath the sink cabinet. If you detect sagging, this may indicate that a small, slow leak is causing the floor to deteriorate.
