What are some common plumbing related issues in a home?
What are some common plumbing related issues in a home?*
Carrying out a home inspection is a must before buying, selling, or moving into a new rental property. You never know what plumbing problems lie beneath the walls, but a proper inspection can reveal them and save you thousands of dollars worth of subsequent repair costs. Some of the common plumbing problems home inspectors find include the following:
Sewer line clogs
This not only makes it difficult for waste to exit your home but it can also cause water to back up and leak which if not handled soon can damage floors and walls. A common cause of sewer clogs is tree roots.
Undetected leaks in walls
Water leaks will drive up your water bill and cause serious damage to your home. A proper inspection will help identify any hidden leaks and prevent any further damage. Oftentimes these leaks remain unnoticed until major damage has been done to your floors and walls creating mildew in your house.
Galvanized pipes
These are lead pipes covered with a protective layer of zinc, common in homes built before the 1960s. The zinc in these pipes erodes over time, creating a risk of lead being released into your water supply. Lead has been associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular and kidney problems among other health concerns in adults.
Water heater problems
Such problems range from having the wrong size unit, high water pressure, broken thermostats, sediment build-up, internal rust, and many other issues. One must give sufficient attention to water pressure and temperature gauges. A faulty heater could burn out or even cause damage to your home’s electrical system
Leakage and damages in faucets or taps
Leaky faucets or taps are a common find in home inspections. They may appear a minor problem to some people they can be hazardous to residents in the home. They can lead to mold growth in the house which in turn can cause a range of health problems such as respiratory complications and allergies to persons living in the house. Leakages may also cause further extensive damage to the structure.
High or Low Water Pressure
Residents of high-rise buildings, in particular, should watch out for this. High water pressure in the pipes can cause pipes to bump against other surfaces which may lead to leakages or even burst pipes. Also, smaller components in faucets or taps can easily get damaged under constant high water pressure. It can also damage appliances like washing machines. Low pressure may also cause appliances to malfunction and reduce water flow from your shower
Issues in plumbing fixtures and fittings
Damaged water closets and clogged washbasin bottle traps are just a few examples of problems with fixtures that can cause you great discomfort and even spread infectious diseases. Leaks from fittings may also create visible stains in your home as well as cause extensive damage. Issues such as clogged toilets may be a sign of much graver underlying problems in your plumbing system which if addressed early can save you a lot in money and convenience.
A Home Inspection Frequently Asked Question
*Disclaimer: This article has been written by a third party and permission has been granted to Charlottetown Home Inspections to publish the article on this website. As such, the article is provided for general information and educational purposes only, and does not constitute advice. Charlottetown Home Inspections cannot vouch for the accuracy or completeness of the information. The reader is encouraged to do his or her own due diligence and additional research, and to speak to a professional home inspector for the most up to date, accurate and reliable information.
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