When you encounter plumbing problems in a newly constructed home, the excitement of your new home is quickly replaced by the anxiety of plumbing issues. Most buyers assume a new home means you don’t have to worry about these types of problems. The thought of encountering plumbing issues with fixtures you have not yet had the chance to use seems impossible. However, there are many reasons a newly constructed home could have plumbing issues, like faulty equipment or installation issues.
If you’ve previously rented a home or apartment, you likely never worried about its plumbing system or whether it was showing signs of distress. But, when you buy a home or consider purchasing a new place, these are questions you need to ask. You probably think that if you purchase a new home, you’ll have time before you need to learn to deal with any of these complicated home maintenance issues, but that’s not always the case.
3 Common New Home Plumbing Problems
If you’ve moved into a new home this holiday season, you want to focus on decorations and hosting family and friends. Even if you are in a new home, plumbing problems can strike. You don’t have to worry about many of the issues associated with wear, tear, and improper draining, but you may still notice issues like slow draining, hot water access, or leaking faucets. When you experience these problems in new home construction, it’s usually caused by building errors or construction debris.
Here’s a list of a few of the more common new home plumbing issues you could face in your new construction:
Water Heater Installation Errors: If you’ve noticed problems with hot water delivery in your new home, it could be due to a faulty water heater or installation errors. It can be difficult to pinpoint the cause of water heater issues, so you can start by scheduling an inspection. A licensed plumber can help you find the source of the problem once they’ve had the chance to check the unit. Your plumber may find that it’s not a plumbing issue to blame for your water heater issues. It could be your new water heater is faulty. Bringing a faulty fixture into your plumbing system can lead to malfunctions with the water heater and plumbing issues in other parts of your system.
Leaking Faucets: A leaking faucet may seem like a wear and tear issue, but it can also be an installation problem. A leaky faucet may seem like a minor situation, but it can quickly become a plumbing emergency if it’s not handled properly. Additionally, leaking water can lead to flooding and increased utility spending. The best thing you can do for a leaking faucet is find the source of the leak. You need to get to the cause of the leak before it becomes something bigger and more problematic. These types of issues, like many plumbing problems in new construction, can stem from hurried installation or faulty materials.
Toilet Issues: If your toilet is running well after it’s been flushed, it’s a unit problem. Much like a leaky faucet, a running toilet can end in tremendous water waste and increased utility spending. It can also cause damage to your property if the running toilet is caused by a faulty fixture with cracks or leaks in the base. Internal components in the toilet could also be to blame for a poorly functioning toilet. A plumber can check your system and the toilet to find the source of the problem.
Be Proactive - Identify and Fix Potential Problems
Being proactive about your plumbing system is always the best advice. If you take a preemptive approach to plumbing issues, then you may be able to get ahead of problems before they become disruptive and destructive. Some issues that you find out are not problems caused by plumbing errors. Inspecting your house early can alert you to issues that you may want to resolve. For example, if your plumbing isn’t insulated for the colder winter months, an inspection can help you uncover these types of issues and make the necessary changes before you run into problems. After you’ve inspected your plumbing for quality and reliability, all you can do is maintain your system and practice good draining and usage habits.
All City Plumbing, Air & Electrical Provides Help and Expertise When You Need It
The most common new construction plumbing issues do usually rise to the level of an emergency, but if you are proactive and take early steps to troubleshoot the issues you’re encountering. If you’re in the process of buying a home or if you’ve recently completed a purchase, scheduling a plumbing inspection is an important step to ensure your system is in good condition. Call us today at (909) 552-7550 to schedule an inspection with one of our plumbing experts.