Buying a new home is one of the most exciting moments in any person’s life. It’s a big step coming from living with the parents and, with all the excitement, it’s understandable how some people forget to check for issues in certain places. One of the most commonly missed spots is the plumbing of the new home.
The problem with undetected leaks is that your plumbing will normally have a route that will take it around your home. That said, a leak in any part of this system can cause numerous headaches down the line, potentially costing you a large sum of money or, even worse, endangering your family.
Potential Impact of Undetected Leaks
With that, let’s take a look at some of the most common problems undetected leaks have caused in the past. Take note and make sure that you look for signs of these damages the next time you check out a potential home.
Damaged Ceilings
A leaky pipe above a ceiling is one of the worst problems you can have in a new home. Unfortunately, this is also one of the most common issues that people face. At first, the damage will be more aesthetic, with a dark spot the usual first sign. Over time, though, this can build up, ruining the ceiling material and eventually collapsing.
Damaged Foundation
In other cases, the leaky pipe can have water seeping deep into your foundation. The water from the leak can push into your foundation, causing stress and eventually leading to cracks in the structure.
This one is more of a danger to your home’s structure and can have disastrous impacts on you and your family. The worst part is that since your foundation is placed in an area you can’t visually inspect, it will be tough to diagnose the level of damage if any.
Insulation Wear
In colder environments, another danger that homeowners face is a ruined insulation layer. If you think about it, insulation layers are usually placed above the electrical and plumbing. Having a leaky pipe in that area can cause your insulation to wear out much faster than it should.
This will result in a very expensive renovation and can even cause long-term damages if left unattended. In cases where the electrical lines run parallel to your plumbing, the dampness of the insulation can even put you at risk of electrical shorts.
Floor Rot
Similar to the point about ceilings, your floor is likely to be at risk of damage as well. Leaky pipes dripping water into your flooring, especially wooden floors, is a quick way to shorten the lifespan of the materials.
This goes even for concrete finishes, especially when you consider how even your home’s foundation can be damaged by something like water.
Molds
While molds might seem more like an aesthetic problem, the health risks you and your family might face are very real. As water collects and festers in your home, molds are more than likely to begin growing. Over time, these molds can establish themselves more permanently, making the task of cleaning it up much harder for you.
Conclusion
The bottom line here is that buying a new home should be approached with a level of discernment. It should be easier to understand why this is important after you consider how much you’ll be spending on this home and, more importantly, your safety once you finally move in.
Gather the necessary information before making a significant investment. We offer quality house inspection services in Birmingham, AL. Schedule your inspection with us, and ensure a quality home!