Water Intrusion Part 3 Of 3

In our final article of this series, we discuss an obvious source of water damage to a home.  The Plumbing!  

Plumbing leaks, even a slow drip, can cause serious property damage!   

Many home buyers are taking advantage of purchasing vacant foreclosed homes at great prices!  With these great opportunities, come some risks.  These risks include purchasing homes that may have plumbing problems that are not detected until the water service is restored. 

Plumbing Leaks That Can Cause Property Damage & Promote Mold Growth:

?Leaking Shut Off Valves:  Shut off valves are typically located within cabinets under sinks and can create slow drips that accumulate water.  These slow drips create an ideal climate for MOLD to grow!  This is why it is important to test and inspect shut off valves at least once per year and to check under sinks at least once per week.  (When you reach for that towel, tube of toothpaste, or dish soap, STOP and look for water!)

?Leaking Faucets:  Leaking faucets can often drip to interior wall surfaces or into cabinets.  If your faucet leaks around the handles or under the spout, watch for where the water travels.  You will find that often it disappears!  When it disappears, it is traveling to a location where it will accumulate and promote MOLD growth and damage adjacent surfaces!

?Loose Toilets:  Loose toilets can create hidden water damage very rapidly.  Loose toilets often leak water at the seal where they are mounted to the floor.  These leaks can damage floor coverings, and also create an unsanitary condition within the home.  

?Sink/Tub Overflows:  Overflows that are not properly connected or damaged can also create pools of water that promote mold growth and damage adjacent surfaces.  

?Water Heater Fittings:  Water heater fittings require constant monitoring.  When a water heater fitting fails, often water accumulates unnoticed and can cause ideal MOLD growth conditions AND cause significant damage to adjacent surfaces.  Water heaters should be reviewed at least once per week.  Any small leaks require IMMEDIATE attention! 

These are only a few examples of how pluming leaks can cause significant problems in a home.  Not only can plumbing leaks damage adjacent materials and create ideal conditions for mold growth, but they can significantly increase utility bills!  (Keep in mind, even homes serviced by private wells can be affected.  Water leaks cause the well to activate more often which increase electric bills!)

To find out more about how Kross Inspectors can help Home Buyers make informed decisions about a Home Purchase, visit www.krossinspectors.com

 or call (239) 677-4403. 

Why Kross Inspectors?

Since 2007, Kross Inspectors has performed over 12,000 Inspections for Consumers!  This makes Kross Inspectors THE Leading Home Inspection Firm in Florida!  

Why have so many consumers turned to Kross Inspectors for help?  

?Appointments Available With Only 24 Hours Notice!

?Comprehensive Inspection Reports Delivered via Email ON SITE!

?Convenient Order Methods:

?Phone; (239) 677-4403 Answered Daily From 8 AM til 8 PM

?Order Online Anytime at www.krossinspectors.com/orderform

?Email Your Request To Info@krossinspectors.com

?Fax Your Order To (239) 214-2684

?The FIRST Company to EVER Offer Chinese Drywall Inspections!  Chinese Drywall Inspections ALWAYS Included for FREE with all Full Home Inspections on homes built between 2003 and 2009! 

?$1,000,000 Professional Errors & Omissions Coverage (Including Premises Liability) *Insurance also provides coverage for Realtors that refer Kross Inspectors!

?Discounts! When you save us time by entering your order online, we pass on that savings by offering $50 OFF Full Home Inspection, Chinese Drywall, and Mold Air Quality Surveys!  Visit www.krossinspectors.com and click on the $50 OFF Button!  That's all it takes!  

To find out more about how Kross Inspectors can help Home Buyers make informed decisions about their purchase, visit www.krossinspectors.com, email Info@krossinspectors.com, or call us at (239) 677-4403. 

Name That Deficiency 

 It's your turn to be the Inspector!

Each week, we offer Consumers and Real Estate Professionals the chance to  "Stand in the Inspector's shoes!"

At the end of each Inspection, our Inspectors give the Clients and Realtors a "Walk Through" in order to offer maintenance tips and to point out items observed during the Inspection.  Often these items are not so obvious to the untrained eye!

Test your Inspection skills by taking a look at the photo below:

Take a moment to review the photo above.  Enter your guess as to what deficiency is showing in the photo by clicking on the photo or email Inspector@krossinspectors.com (Clicking on the photo will take you to our site where you can view a larger image).

Good Luck!  This week's winner will receive a roll over prize a $25 Edison Mall Gift Card!