Top 5 Plumbing Myths that Cost Homeowners
While most builders are familiar with the telltale signs of a potential plumbing problem, many homeowners have an “out of sight, out of mind” mentality. To help your buyers maintain their systems, consider advising them about the following costly plumbing myths.
1. If drains are working, they must be in good shape. Just because a drain seems to be functioning, doesn’t mean trouble isn’t looming on the horizon. Even if a homeowner isn’t aware of it, food particles may be gathering in the discharge pipe. Your buyers can prevent this by making sure to maintain a 4-to-1 ratio of water to food particles in the kitchen sink. They should also be on the look-out for early warning signs, including slow drainage or an ineffective disposal unit.
2. A leaky faucet is no big deal. In addition to hiking up a monthly water bill, leaky faucets can also add wear and tear to plumbing fixtures and faucets. A steady leak could also lead to rust, rot and mold over a period of time. It’s best to nip this problem in its infancy. If a homeowner doesn’t have the background for this type of do-it-yourself endeavor, he or she should contact a plumber or home maintenance professional to correct the issue as soon as possible.
3. A small water stain is a small problem. Unfortunately, big things tend have small beginnings. Even the smallest water stain can indicate a substantial problem. You may have a leaky pipe that could promote mold and rot. You could also have a leaky roof, which could result in structural issues in time. What’s worse, because water has a tendency to travel along beams and horizontal surfaces, the actual leak may be some distance from the stain. For this reason and many others, it’s important for homeowners to contact a plumbing professional anytime they notice a water stain.
4. Hard water is only a minor nuisance. Formed when water travels through deposits of natural chalk and limestone, hard water contains calcium and magnesium carbonates. This can result in unattractive mineral deposits on fixtures, dishes, clothing and shower doors. Unfortunately, it can also cause scale to build up in certain types of pipes, while damaging some appliances. If they live in a region known for having extremely hard water, your buyers can mitigate risk by installing a water softening unit in their homes.
5. Low water pressure is a simple inconvenience. While it can sometimes originate at the municipal water supply, most residential water pressure issues result from leaky pipes. This can be especially problematic, since leaking water can travel beneath a home and damage its infrastructure or foundation. If they are aware of a problem and do nothing to address it, homeowners can inadvertently void their foundation warranties. If water starts to trickle when it used to gush, homeowners should quickly arrange an inspection from a qualified plumbing professional.
Even newly-built homes are not exempt from plumbing problems. To help them protect their largest investments, consider advising your buyers on the importance of proper home maintenance now and in the years to come.
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