Often a home inspection can reveal flaws throughout the home. Often home inspectors when inspecting the home plumbing, will discover small to major problems. Home inspections help to discover the flaws and ensure proper repair. When it comes to the home’s plumbing there are four common plumbing flaws frequently discovered during home inspections. Lifeline Home Inspections will share the four common plumbing flaws that are frequently found on our inspection reports.
Main Sewer Line Clog
Often during a home inspection, the inspector will start the plumbing inspection by turning on the taps or flushing toilets to determine the sewer line’s condition. Clogs often manifest itself by slow drainage from the water fixtures, or the water will come back out of a drain or toilet. Signs of a clog sewer line often requires a deeper inspection. Therefore, a plumbing service that has a camera to locate the source of the clog is needed. Sewer lines can be cleaned and are not considered a major flaw.
Water Leak in Walls
Another common discovery made by home inspectors during an inspection is undetected leaks in the walls. A home inspector will often test the home’s structure including the walls, particularly areas with plumbing. Home inspectors use various methods for leak detection, and often an experienced home inspector can tell by the smell and look of a wall that there is a problem. However, there are other methods and devices that use red image devices or moisture detection devices. It is essential that a home with leaks within the building is repaired properly or it can lead to mold and mildew as well as weakening of the home structure. Depending on the age and size of a leak, it can become a major flaw in a home especially during a sale.
Galvanized Pipes in Older Homes
Homes that were built in the 1960’s may seem like a timely treasure. Investing in an older home or owning an older home has its risks and demanded replacements. One aspect of older homes that home inspectors find is galvanized piping. Galvanized pipes contained coats with a protective layer of zinc. Over time the zinc was found to erode and even contaminate the water supply with lead. Prolonged exposure to lead is very dangerous. It often leads to kidney failure, reproductive problems and cardiovascular issues. For those who wish to buy or own an older home, and galvanized pipes were discovered during the home inspection, it is essential to have the home pipes replaced. There are five major residential piping and the most common is PVC and PEX piping. The homeowner can decide which piping they prefer. However, galvanized piping is considered hazardous and results in a failed home inspection report.
Hot Water Heater Problems
During a home inspection, an inspector will often test the home’s water heater as it is a major component of the home. Often the water heater can have a number of problems. Some of the more common problems are wrong unit size, high water pressures, bad thermostat, or internal sediments or rust build up. As the water heater won’t cause an immediate inspection to fail, it will require proper replacement.
Buyers & Sellers Home Inspections & More in Fulton, Spalding, Coweta, Douglas, Pike, Upson & Fayette County, Georgia
Home inspections are a vital tool to determine the condition of a home whether it is for sale or a homeowner wants a detailed report on their home’s health. When needing a home inspection, either for sellers or buyers, or simply for home maintenance inspection, contact Lifeline Home Inspections today.
