Bathrooms are one of the most frequently used rooms in your house. That’s why buyers find great interest in bathrooms flaunting modern embellishments, like a marble-top vanity or fashionable tiling. However, although aesthetically pleasing, these enhancements can hide problems that lay beneath the surface. Let’s take a look at some common bathroom issues that lead to a failed inspection.
Bathroom Plumbing Issues
While water is essential to all of us, it can be a nightmare for our homes. That’s why it is vital your plumbing is fully functional, especially when it comes to your bathroom. Here are two issues a home inspector will look out for:
- Leaks: The home inspector will report on such things as the toilet seal, the fitting of the faucets, and the caulking around your showerhead. They will also inspect the walls and ceiling for signs of water damage or dampness, indicating a leak.
- Drainage and Water Pressure: The home inspector will determine whether the sink, toilet, and tub or shower are draining correctly. They will also test whether the fixtures are pumping water at the appropriate pressure.
Water damage can lead to issues like mold and wood rot, which can be harmful to both your home and your health.
Problems with Electrical Components
Since your bathroom is regularly exposed to moisture, the wiring must be properly installed. An inspector will ensure the outlets near the shower, toilet, and sink have a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) installed. GFCIs include a button that can be pressed to test the receptacle, and it can also reset the outlet if the breaker trips. Inspectors will also ensure the bathroom’s exhaust fan is efficiently filtering moisture out of the room. If there are streaks on the walls, it’s likely a sign of poor ventilation.
Bathroom Flooring and Sealing Issues
If the flooring feels soft or bouncy when walked upon, that’s indicative of a structural problem due to trapped moisture. Since most bathroom flooring materials are water-resistant, it can be difficult to discover an underlying water issue without the help of an experienced home inspector. They will also ensure the caulking around the tub or shower is preventing water from seeping beneath the floor.
A crucial part of the home inspection process is looking for bathroom issues. Since it has several plumbing components and a tendency to retain moisture, it can be one of the most dangerous rooms in your house. At Homeinex Corporation, we thoroughly inspect your bathroom as part of our basic home inspection, and we’ll inform you of the issues that need addressing before selling or buying. If you need a trusted inspector to ensure a home’s bathroom is safe, contact us today.