Home Inspectors Vs. the Super Bowl of Plumbing Problems
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Get it? Super Bowl … of plumbing? It’s everyone’s favorite topic, especially when it has to do with the bathroom. But never fear, I don’t have one single gross bathroom for you today, and nary a toilet. Plumbing is important, though, because 1) it’s so essential to the running of our homes, 2) it can cause a lot of damage when it breaks, and 3) it can be awfully expensive to repair. So in honor of the upcoming big game, here are some super plumbing problems our inspectors have encountered in the field:
The Plumbing Test
Inspector Adrian has tested all the sinks and showers for leaks, and as you can see, the shower in this bathroom failed his test. The shower pan that Adrian refers to is installed underneath the floor of the shower and is intended to catch any water that seeps through the tile and grout and direct it to the drain. But if the pan is improperly installed or sealed, or damaged in some way (as can sometimes happen with foundation movement), that can cause the water to leak out the sides of the shower onto the floor.
But of course this isn’t something you’d see until the shower was in use. As Adrian says, this is a perfect example of what a home inspector does: putting the different systems of the house through a little stress to make sure they are functioning properly before you move in.
Things Not To Do With Your Water Heater
Good grief. I could probably consolidate all the posts about water heaters I’ve ever done into this one right here. We have clear evidence this thing hasn’t been maintained in a hundred years or so, no water pan, a leaky flue, and DUCT TAPE … These folks are lucky they’re still breathing much less using their hot water. Please remember to check on your hot water heater. Clear it of debris, check for rust, check the TPR valve, and make sure the flue is connected and venting out of the house. It should have a manufacturer’s water pan (not something you grabbed from the kitchen) to collect water. If you see any problems, call a plumber.
Pipe Problems
Here’s another example of how our inspectors do their job. This video is from the video inspection report that each client gets when they get an inspection with Green Scene. Inspector Brian is going to explain his findings with pictures. This is not a part of the required written inspection, it’s an extra provided by Green Scene to help you understand the written report.
In this video, Brian is showing the buyer where PVC pipes were installed to an existing plumbing line in a bathroom where a tub was added. But the added pipe doesn’t quite connect to the plumbing line, making a leak likely in that space. Another area where they’ll want to pay attention to the plumbing, especially during this time of year when we have freezing temperatures, are those pipes behind the wall that are only protected from the elements by a thin piece of plywood. That space needs some insulation.
Nothing ruins a good football-watching party like an unexpected flood, a faucet that doesn’t flow, or a toilet that won’t flush. So if you’re hosting this year, here’s hoping you had a good home inspection and you’ve been keeping up with your home maintenance.😉 But if not, don’t DIY your plumbing! Call a plumber.
