If you are purchasing a home in Mississauga or Oakville, the importance of having the plumbing inspected cannot be overstated. As veterans in the plumbing industry, we have seen it all, and we often get calls from people who have just recently taken ownership of homes and are already experiencing plumbing issues.
The best way to protect yourself against major plumbing repairs on your newly bought Mississauga or Oakville home is to have the property inspected before you buy. If an issue is found, this will allow you to negotiate to have the repairs done or reduce the price, or you can choose to walk away in favour of a home with fewer problems.
Is the plumbing up to code?
Especially in older homes, we often run across plumbing that isn’t up to code. In most cases, this is due to some “creative” DIY plumbing projects that have been undertaken by a previous owner or an unscrupulous contractor.
Plumbing that is not up to code is a nightmare waiting to happen. The plumbing code ensures that your home’s pipes and fixtures run efficiently, safely, and in a sanitary manner. When there are code violations, it can result in major repair bills.
Most common plumbing code violations
The following are some of the most common plumbing code violations that we see in the Mississauga and Oakville area:
- Drainage pipes that are not on a proper slope. This is a problem because it means water will not be taken away from sinks and bathtubs promptly. This can cause them to be slow-draining or backup.
- Not enough cleanouts. A cleanout is an area where a plumber can access pipes to inspect them or clear out clogs. Without a sufficient number of cleanouts in accessible spots, clogs can become much worse and more expensive to repair.
- Cleanouts in bad spots. We have seen cleanouts in dangerous locations – such as over electrical panels. We have also seen them in spots like food preparation areas in kitchens (No one wants pipes from toilet drainage running out over their kitchen stove!)
- Poor fittings. Waste and debris can get stuck when pipes bend too sharply.
- Not enough or wrong fitting traps and vents. This problem can cause bad smells in the home and even attract pests.
- Insufficient space around toilets. While this may not be a problem for you if you are small, it is an accessibility issue for larger people or those who may have some mobility challenges.
- Sink or tub faucets that are too close (sometimes even under!) to the highest fill line. If you fill your tub or sink and the faucet is so close that water splashes up into it, it can contaminate the clean water line.
Contact McKenna Plumbing today
If you are interested in getting a plumbing inspection before putting in an offer on an Oakville or Mississauga home – or if you suspect there might be a plumbing code violation in your own home – our Oakville Plumbers can help. Contact us today to arrange for an inspection.