New Houses Can Have Plumbing Problems, Too

Congratulations on the purchase of your new home! The start of this new chapter is usually filled with feelings of excitement and a little anxiety. We're excited by all the prospects our new home has to offer, but anxious about taking on the additional responsibilities associated with home ownership. Our anxiety is usually tempered somewhat if we decide to purchase a newer home. This is based on our belief that a newer home will present us with fewer problems to deal with initially. Unfortunately, this thinking is not always correct.

Whether our home is old or new, home ownership always comes with a certain degree of uncertainty. And even new homes – those built within the last ten years - can have issues that must be dealt with sooner, rather than later.

Be Proactive - Identify and Fix Potential Problems

One of the best ways to deal with a potential problem is to take a proactive approach. Identifying and addressing an issue before it develops into a major problem will ultimately save you money, and a lot of headaches. This is especially true when it comes to the plumbing in a newer home. Unfortunately, many people find out too late that the pipes in their homes are not properly insulated against cold weather. As a result, many homeowners – even those with newer homes - are left dealing with leaky, or worse, busted pipes. Taking a more proactive approach - have a licensed plumber inspect your system - can help prevent problems before they arise, and avert a potential disaster. Once a plumbing problem is identified, it should be dealt with immediately to avoid more costly repairs, which may not be covered under a home warranty policy.

New Home Plumbing Issues

You never know when plumbing problems will strike, even in new homes. Calling a trusted plumber may be necessary to fix a problem, but you don’t necessarily need to be a plumber to spot a potential plumbing problem.

Here’s our Top 5 List of New Construction Plumbing Problems to Look for in Your New Home:

1. Clogged Pipes

A clogged pipe or two can be troublesome for a variety of reasons. Unfortunately, they’re usually a sign of plumbing problems to come. There are a variety of things that could cause pipes to get clogged. It may sound strange, but the environment could be the cause of your problem. Roots from nearby trees can sometimes compromise, clog or break pipes in your system.
Sometimes it comes down to improper installation or neglect by a home builder. If some or all of the homes in your new community were constructed by the same builder, check with neighbors to see if they have, or are, experiencing similar issues.
This is just one reason why it’s so important to get a thorough inspection from a licensed plumber before you agree to buy a home - even a newer home. A thorough inspector could save you a lot of money in the long run.

2. Blocked Drains

If you have problems with clogged pipes, drain blockage issues might not be too far behind. Random debris from construction, grease, or leftovers and discarded building material from the builder may be causing the issue.
Blockages are a problem, but can quickly change from a nuisance to a danger when wastewater is involved. Such toxins could slowly poison your water supply, if you have your own well water system, and impact drainage areas in, and around your home.
Even if the blockage doesn’t result in a toxic build-up. A blocked drain can cause a build-up of liquid, which could affect the structural integrity of your home. Seepage from a blocked drain could easily compromise your foundation or penetrate other areas of your home.

3. Faulty Water Heater

If you rely on a hot shower to get you going each morning, a faulty water heater can really put a damper on the start of your day. Water heater problems are sometimes difficult to diagnose. Everything from a faulty internal thermostat, poor installation, sediment build-up in the tank, or a leaky pipe can be the cause of the problem.
If you start to notice you are continually increasing the amount of hot water in your morning showers to make them comfortable. It’s time to get your water heater checked. Call a licensed plumber to fix the problem.

Related Topic: What Size Water Heater Do I Need?

4. Leaky Faucets

A leaky faucet can happen in nearly any home, regardless of how new the home is. Although a leaky faucet may not seem like a big deal, it could easily turn into a plumbing emergency. When we think about how many faucets we have in our homes. Those small, yet consistent drops of water can really add up, and increase your water bill considerably. So, as you see leaks becoming a problem, call a plumber.

5. Running Toilets

Like a leaky faucet, a toilet valve that doesn’t close properly can add considerable cost to a water bill each month - and waste dozens of gallons of water each day. Although replacing a faulty, or damaged flapper in your toilet doesn’t require a lot of expertise, have a plumber check to make sure all the toilets in the home are working properly.

Get The Help and Expertise You Need

Remember, even a newer home is not immune to problems. It’s always a good idea to get everything checked before you move in. Call your local Mr. Rooter Plumbing to schedule a plumbing inspection today, so you can rest assured everything is working properly before you move in.