Water leakage can cause extensive damage in a home.
Often undetected, a slow leak can turn into mold that can be hazardous to the health of those that live there.
Before homeowners purchase any property, a comprehensive home inspection should be done that covers everything from the foundation to roofing to electric systems, heating and cooling systems and specifically plumbing.
There's a joke among general contractors and home inspectors that says 'a new home only means no one has lived in it long enough to discover the problems.
' Don't be fooled by new properties or older properties that look good.
Thermal imaging systems used by trained professionals can detect minor leaks before they cause long-term damage.
The plumbing portion of a home inspection should include the following: Supply, waste, and vent piping.
When toilets are flushed, waste is sent to sewage systems through pipes in the walls and underground.
A leak here could cause unhealthy waste to seep into walls or collect in pools in basements or under the home.
Fixtures, faucets and drains.
Any time a tap is turned on, water has to be disposed of through piping.
Most homeowners notice pipes leaking that are in plain site, however pipes hidden in cupboards or in cabinets can sometimes go unnoticed for long periods of time.
Look for water stains on the ceiling and around the edges of the baseboard in your house where pipes are likely to run.
Also look at the bottom of the cabinet for water leaks.
If you see staining, there is most likely a leak.
Water heating equipment, including combustion air, venting, connections, energy sources, seismic bracing, and temperature-pressure relief valves.
We've all seen those huge water heaters stored in a closet or in a basement.
Water heaters leaking in closets are often noticed fairly quickly, but those in basements can have slow leaks that are undetected for months, costing the homeowner money through water bills as well as through erosion of the foundation of the home.
Functional flow of water supply and functional drainage at fixtures.
After turning on a tap, water needs to flow out.
Blockage in the flow can cause water to back up.
A home inspector should make sure all drainage is functional.
Gas piping and connectors.
Water pipes aren't the only concern for new or current homeowners.
Gas leaks can cause death quickly.
Gas leaks often go undetected or ignored.
If you think you smell gas, shut off the gas valve and get out of the home.
Be sure to take children and pets.
Call a professional who can determine if there is a leak.
Before you purchase a home, make sure there are no gas leaks.
Once a thorough inspection is done, homebuyers can safely move in.
As always, be sure to hire a licensed professional, check references and speak to past clients.
View their on-line reviews and ask questions.