| Of course, there are the easy to spot constant drips | | | | Dampness on walls normally means that the structure |
| from a tap that may have a damaged thread or | | | | of your home is being degraded quickly. Structural |
| faucet (and is pretty easy to fix) but it is the | | | | damage to non load-bearing walls is normally not too |
| undetected leaks that, more often than not, will cause | | | | big an expense to deal with but damage to |
| the most problems and cost the most in terms of lost | | | | load-bearing walls and structures can be very |
| water, money and inconvenience. These undetected | | | | expensive to repair, not to mention involve a major |
| leaks will, over time, cause structural damage as well | | | | upheaval in living arrangements so the earlier that |
| as lead to mold growth. | | | | problems are identified, the better. |
| There are all sorts of reasons for undetected leaks: | | | | If you should spot any of the signs of undetected |
| perhaps damage was unintentional such as a nail or | | | | problems, you should call in an expert at the earliest |
| screw being pushed through a pipe when hanging a | | | | possible time. Any qualified plumber or home inspector |
| picture. Perhaps plumbing joints have not been sealed | | | | surveyor should quickly be able to confirm the |
| properly or pipes have simply corroded with age. New | | | | existence of any major problems and even if no |
| buildings tend to 'stretch' during their first few years | | | | problems are detected, paying a small call-out fee to a |
| too, which may cause undue strain on fixed plumbing. | | | | plumber has got to be worth the peace of mind it will |
| At least problems with new homes are normally | | | | bring. If you have home insurance, the cost of any |
| covered by a builders warranty. | | | | repairs due will normally be covered and if you are a |
| The four easy to spot giveaway signs of an | | | | tenant, your landlord will be responsible for the costs of |
| undetected leak are dampness (especially on walls), | | | | repair, which are probably also insured anyway. |
| small pools of water on the floor, a sour smell and or | | | | On a final note for potential homebuyers, it is always |
| mold. | | | | worth paying a little extra for a full structural survey, |
| Mold can cause serious health problems and will | | | | where potential plumbing problems should be identified. |
| spread quickly if it is not dealt with properly, becoming | | | | Investing in such a rigorous home inspection almost |
| more and more expensive to remedy as it does so. | | | | always pays dividends in identifying potential problems. |