Archaeologists in the Indian Indus already have 4,000 to 3,000 BC. Sanitary systems discovered. Ancient Rome was famous for its aqueducts and elaborate indoor baths, all of which were older than today’s modern indoor installations.
By the 1840s, domestic plumbing became a common practice in most urban areas in the United States. It wasn’t until the 1930s, shortly after electricity was made available to residential buildings, that rural areas had access to indoor plumbing.
Installation issues with leaks, low water pressure, insufficient hot water, and clogging can create problems for sellers and buyers, and lead to headaches and trauma for real estate agents.
Two factors define the potential installation problems: the age of the house and its location. Homes and apartment buildings that are less than 50 years old have, for the most part, fewer problems with installation than older homes. Homes that are more than 50 years old are more susceptible to repairs and renovations by plumbers and craftsmen of different skill levels.
Pipes deteriorate with age, and even moving and settling the floor around a building can cause them to bend or kink. Location is a factor as cities and towns will use public utilities and treatment facilities for water and waste, while less densely populated locations will rely on septic tanks for waste.
A public water and waste system is a monthly expense for the homeowner, but absolutely no maintenance on their part. Septic tank maintenance is more cost effective, but the homeowner needs to see that the system is pumped annually. A licensed plumber can examine a septic tank via a septic tank that reports underground conditions.
Older homes have older landscaping and tree roots that can infiltrate underground pipes, crushing them and causing clogging. When touring older homes, look out for signs of tree stumps that still have underground roots that may have caused damage or are still actively penetrating pipes.
Real estate agents should be aware of three main installation problems:
- Faulty sewage system, recognizable by a sewage smell.
- Water heater problems encountered with water heaters that are more than 10 years old.
- Problems with the toilet and drainage.
Even a slow, small leak in a pipe or faucet can cause significant damage to a structure while creating an insect infestation that can worry the buyer and traumatize the real estate agent.
Most homes and apartment buildings have exposed plumbing in basements and basements if you look closely. The older the structure, the more repairs and the more plumbing used.
In the 1900s all pipes were made of galvanized iron or steel. Brass, cast iron and galvanized pipes can have a lifespan of up to 100 years. Copper pipes have a lifespan of over 50 years and copper can be recycled and reused. Copper is more expensive than other types of piping and can be difficult to install in tight spaces.
PVC or polyvinyl chloride pipes and PEX or polyethylene crosslinking pipes are the white pipes that can be seen on new buildings. These pipes are lightweight, versatile, and resist clogging. PVC and PEX pipes can release toxins into water, warp from hot water, and have limited size options.
If you are a real estate professional check this out The most common installation problems and their solutions will help put your buyers’ minds at ease. A licensed plumber is always the best solution to any installation problem, but with the right tools and instructions, maintenance and repair work can be done.
1. Leaking faucet
The cause is a washer that is torn, worn, peeled off, or stuck. Turning off the source of water under the sink, disassembling the faucet, and replacing the washing machine should make the drop go away.
2. Slow draining sink
Leftovers and grease clogs cause clogs in kitchen sinks. Clogged drain can lead to baking soda and vinegar pouring into the opening. With an energetic action on the wrist, you can unblock a drain with a plunger or use chemical clog removers.
Handle chemicals carefully as they can damage the pipes – and always wear rubber gloves and safety glasses.
3. Clogged shower or bathtub drain
Hair and soap suds can build up over time, slowing the effectiveness of a drain. Again, the use of baking soda and vinegar, a plunger and / or a plumber’s snail or a “snake” opens the drain. Once unclogged, drain protection prevents future problems.
4. Clogged toilets
Paper and solid waste can clog toilets and flush other items such as wipes down the drain. The combined use of a plunger and plumber’s worm or snake, available at any hardware store, can open up the drain.
It is wise to remember that toilets are made of fired ceramic and can crack if too much force.
5. Running toilet
Water continuously flowing in a toilet tank can waste 200 gallons a day. A faulty valve is usually the culprit, and a kit is usually available at a plumbing or hardware store that can help fix this pesky problem.
6. Water heater
If the hot water stops abruptly, the indicator light under the water heater may need to be re-ignited or the thermostat may need to be adjusted. If there is a pool of water under your water heater, it is leaking and needs to be replaced.
Water heaters have a date of manufacture on the label or a serial number indicates the age if you check with the manufacturer.
7. Water pressure drop
It can be as simple as the water heater’s shut-off valve is not fully open, or as complicated as a clogging of the pipes. Low water pressure is sometimes caused by sediment in a shower head. Soaking the shower head in vinegar or replacing the shower head will result in more water flow.
8. Blocking of garbage disposal
The reset button under the sink is the easiest and most effective way to solve garbage disposal problems. If the reset key is not available, you can make adjustments with an Allen key.
9. Leaks in pipe connections
Tape, joints, or filler can provide temporary relief, but the pipe is more likely to be replaced.
10. Channel backups
The crucial question is the location of the blockage. A professional plumber may be the homeowner’s responsibility to determine whether the problem is in the main sewer or plumbing. These repairs can be costly and laborious, so it is best to act quickly.
Real estate agents can benefit from a few simple tips and an understanding of plumbing problems and their solutions. A home inspection and repairs by a licensed plumber can put the buyer at ease in most cases.
Gerard Splendore is a licensed real estate agent with Warburg Realty in New York. Connect with him on LinkedIn.
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