Common Home Repair Needs: Water Heater, Pipes, Water Damage

In part one of this multi-part blog series, we went over some basics on the common issues that home inspectors often reveal to the buyers of a given home. Inspectors are valuable resources for uncovering potential repairs or other work that needs to be done on a given home, helping the buyer understand these concerns before they sign any paperwork to finalize their purchase. 

At Aerolite Consulting, we offer a wide range of home inspection services and environmental contaminant inspections, ensuring our clients know exactly what’s going on in any home they’re considering the purchase of. We’ve saved homebuyers tens of thousands of dollars by identifying the issues present in their homes and allowing them to remedy these with the seller before paperwork is signed. Here are a few of the other most common issues we help bring to light before it’s too late.

Water Heater Problems

There are several factors that may contribute to a water heater that’s on its last leg, but one of the most common is a buildup of sediment on the bottom. This happens through the passing of time and water build-up from mineral deposits, meaning that as it’s used more and more, this builds up over time until it becomes cleared enough to allow for proper heating. It can be hard to tell exactly what’s wrong with a water heater just by looking at it, so be sure to request an inspection on your own if you’re concerned about the lifespan of yours.

In many cases, the simple age of the heater may be cause for an upgrade, but this doesn’t solve all problems. While you want to err on the side of caution when it comes to purchasing a home, having inspectors like those at Aerolite Consulting go through and identify these issues can help save you time (and headaches) later on.

Pipe Repairs or Replacements Needed

If pipes in a home are more than 15 or so years old, or if they’re showing visible signs of wear and tear, be sure to have them looked at. Our inspectors know how to spot all the signs of wear and tear on pipes, be it rusting, corrosion, leaks, or other damage. 

Major Water Damage

Water damage can also come from a variety of sources, including leaks, flooding, or deteriorating pipe work that allows for small bursts of water to go undetected. There are even cases where roof damage can cause the interior to become compromised without visible evidence.

This is particularly true in older homes with single-tile roofs where one spot gets enough damage to allow for leakage but doesn’t reveal itself until it’s too late. Seeking the help of a professional when you start to notice water damage in any place can go a long way in identifying trouble areas and even getting ahead of problems before they grow larger.

For more on the issues home inspectors often help homebuyers identify before it’s too late, or to learn about any of our environmental contaminant checks for particles like lead, radon, mold or others, speak to the pros at Aerolite Consulting today.