Common Plumbing Issues Found During A Home Inspection In Chantilly

When it comes to purchasing a new home for you and your family, you will want to have a home inspection to ensure that the home is in good shape and that you will know about any repairs that need to be made. 

One of the most common issues that are found during a home inspection is problems with the plumbing. When it comes to the plumbing, you will want to make sure that all these issues are found because if left untreated, you could have some serious and very expensive problems. 

Piping Issues

There are many issues that can be wrong with the pipes of your potential new home. These include: 

• Galvanized pipes. Galvanized pipes were common in homes that were built before 1960. These pipes usually have a lifespan of around 20 to 70 years. Once these pipes start to corrode, they can increase the level of lead in your drinking water, and they can break down to the point of where they burst or leak. 
• Polybutylene pipes. Polybutylene pipes first came on to the market in 1978 and were in production until 1995. Unfortunately, this pipe did not stand the test of time. The most common problem with this piping was that the polybutylene would interact with the chlorine in the water, causing corrosion which led to breakdowns. This type of piping is no longer allowed in newly constructed homes. 
• Rusted cast-iron pipes. Cast iron piping was common in homes that were built before 1970. Cast iron piping can be perfectly fine, but when it does become rusted, it can lead to leaks and failure of the plumbing lines. 
• ABS waste piping. This drain piping was used from the 1980s to the late 1990s. This kind of drain piping is prone to cracks, and if it is found at your new home, you may want to consider replacing it to avoid future issues. 
• Uninsulated plumbing pipes. It is common to find uninsulated plumbing pipes during an inspection. This can lead to the pipes being exposed to freezing temperatures. When the pipe freezes, it can crack, causing a leak. 

Clogged Sewer Lines

Another common issue found in home inspections is that the sewer line is clogged. Clogged sewer lines can lead to raw sewage coming into the house. This can do a lot of expensive damage to the home, not to mention the risk of illness. 

A clogged sewer line can be caused by several things, including tree roots growing into the drain lines, something being flushed down the toilet that should not have been, and failure of the main sewer line. If this is found in the inspection, it should be taken care of quickly. 

Issues With The Water Heater

There are several issues that may be found with the hot water heater upon inspection. These include:

• No hot water. There may be several reasons why there is no hot water including that the hot water heater may have failed. 
• Inconsistent water temperature. This is an indication that the water heater element is not working as it should. 
• Leaking water heater. A water heater can leak from the pressure relief valve, the liner, or the water inlet and outlet valves. If you find that this is the case, you will need to get a water heater replacement before you move in. 
• Very old water heater. If the house you are moving into has a hot water heater that is over the age of ten, it is a good idea to go ahead and replace it. 
• Sulfur smell. If during the inspection, a sulfur smell is detected, there is a build-up of bacteria in the water heater, and it needs immediate maintenance. 

Low Water Pressure

In some cases, your inspector may find that you have low water pressure issues. If this is the case, you will want to find out the cause of the issue. Low water pressure can indicate the following: 

• Supply line leaks. There may be a leak somewhere in the main supply line. 
• Water source issues. If you have low water pressure, you may have an issue with your water source. Check with your water provider to ensure that there is no problem. If your house uses a deep well, you will want to have the inspector check the well pump. 
• Leaky faucets. If there are leaky faucets in a bathroom or the kitchen, this can be the cause of water pressure issues. This issue is a simple one and can easily be fixed by a local plumber. 

If your inspector finds any plumbing issues, it is imperative that they are fixed as soon as possible. While some issues are not major ones, the fact is that they can become huge and very expensive problems.

A small leak today could easily become a major leak in the future that causes a lot of damage and the risk for mold build-up. Find a local plumbing company in your area to come out and correct all these issues for you. You will save money and rest easy knowing that your plumbing is in good shape.