One of the most significant financial investments you will make in your lifetime is your home. If you are thinking of buying a house, ensure you find out if there are any problems with the property before purchasing. Things that need fixing can be expensive to repair later.
Before you buy a house, it may be wise to hire a professional inspector.
An expert will check things out, including looking for termites, water leaks, and other things that may be faulty.
In this blog post we’ll discuss everything you should know about water leaks and inspecting for termites before buying a house.
Table of Contents
Termites
Termites are among the most devastating pests that can nest within the structure of your house. They are tiny white insects that come from underground. Termites are attracted to wood as cellulose present in timber is their primary food source. The sobering fact is, you will find termites where you least expect.
Termite damage
When you look at purchasing a new elegant home, you must make sure no unwelcome guests hide inside the walls.
Termites are the most destructive timber pest in the world. They can hollow all wooden frameworks in a house from the inside out quickly, leaving it structurally unsound.
Water leaks
Water leaks are challenging to find if not obvious. Often faulty plumbing or dripping water pipes are the reason for leaks.
They contribute to dampness and mold, create unsightly stains, and can be awfully expensive to repair. They also cause wood decay and rot, and most importantly, water leaks will attract termites into the house.
Where you are likely to find leaks
Toilet
If you notice water build-up around the bowl’s rim or see that sealant is missing from this area – beware. A leaky toilet base may look like a minor issue initially. Still, it can cause significant damp problems.
Sewer
One of the last things you want to happen after you commit yourself to buy is having sewage-related problems. Sewer-related issues are not only costly to repair but also can undoubtedly contribute to foul odor and dampness.
Shower
A leaking shower is one of the most common problems you will find when buying a house. The waterproofing membrane can be faulty and cause water to build up under the floor.
Bathroom basins and sinks
Sinks and bathroom basins are a source of leaks in most homes, so it’s essential to check these areas for any potential problems. Fill the sink with water and drain it, which will force all that excess fluid down your pipes at once. Check out the drains closely during this test because it is where sinks develop leaky spots.
Why termites are attracted to water leaks
One of the most common reasons why termites infest homes is water leaks. Termites need moisture to survive, and so they search for it, burrowing through soil. Termites will find moist areas quickly. From there, they can find their way into the wooden structures of the house. Often faulty plumbing or leaking water pipe will be the cause of termite infestation.
Get your inspection done before you buy
Termites are this type of pest that requires an inspection before you go ahead and buy any property. But when you own your house you should have a termite and moisture inspection done regularly.
Now that you know all about termite inspection and water leaks, it’s time to go out and find your dream home. If the seller is willing to fix all the problems before handing over the keys, this will be a smooth and enjoyable process.
