9 Common Plumbing Issues Found During Home Inspections
February 27, 2024
Discovering plumbing issues before they escalate can be beneficial whether you’re buying or selling a property. Below are nine commonly faced plumbing problems inspectors often discover:
1. Obsolete Piping
Obsolete piping materials, such as Polybutylene Piping, can compromise your plumbing system’s integrity and lead to leaks or failures. Polybutylene Piping was banned in 2010 due to its tendency to crack and leak, which can lead to significant water damage and costly repairs.
2. Rusted Pipes
Rust and corrosion are common issues in older plumbing systems, especially in homes with galvanized steel pipes. Rust buildup can weaken pipes, leading to leaks, reduced water pressure, and even contamination of your water supply.
3. Broken Pipes
Cracked or broken pipes can result from various factors, including freezing temperatures, tree root intrusion, or structural wear and tear. Left unaddressed, broken pipes can cause water damage to your property and compromise the stability of your home’s foundation.
4. Clogged Sewer Lines
Clogged sewer lines can cause sewage backups and foul odors in your home. Common culprits include tree roots, grease buildup, and foreign objects flushed down toilets. Promptly addressing clogged sewer lines can help prevent sewage backups and minimize the risk of water damage and sanitation issues.
5. Slow Leaks Behind Walls
Slow leaks behind walls are often insidious, causing gradual water damage and mold growth without immediate visibility. Signs of slow leaks may include water stains, musty odors, or peeling paint or wallpaper. Home inspections, including moisture detection techniques, can help identify and address slow leaks before they cause extensive damage to your home’s structure and indoor air quality.
6. Water Heater Issues
Water heater problems, such as sediment buildup, faulty heating elements, or leaks, can disrupt your daily routines and compromise your comfort. Regular maintenance, including flushing the tank and inspecting components, can help prolong the lifespan of your water heater and ensure a reliable hot water supply throughout your home.
7. S-Traps
S-Traps are outdated plumbing configurations that can create siphoning and trap seal loss, leading to sewer gas leaks and sanitation issues. Properly venting plumbing fixtures and replacing S-Traps with modern P-Traps can help maintain proper drainage and prevent foul odors and health hazards in your home.
8. No Sewer Clean-Out
A sewer clean-out connects to the lateral sewer line, linking your home’s sewer line to the septic tank or city sewer system. It aids in leak detection and drain cleaning by providing direct access to the sewer line, allowing for the removal of blockages. Without a sewer clean-out, plumbing may emit odors, struggle with water volume, and experience unexpected leaks due to blockages.
9. Improper Venting
Improper venting can lead to sewer gas buildup, slow drainage, and plumbing system inefficiencies. Proper installation and maintenance of vent pipes and fittings are crucial for ensuring adequate airflow and preventing ventilation-related issues in your plumbing system.
Schedule a Sewer Inspection
Did you know your sewer lines can face issues like cracks, tree roots, or partial clogs regardless of age, even if they seem to function well? To avoid plumbing emergencies and costly repairs, we recommend a sewer scope inspection. Our team conducts hundreds of sewer inspections every year and has saved people thousands in emergency repairs. We can identify issues before they worsen and cause sewage backup in your home. Be proactive and book an inspection with us today!