From smaller inconveniences to serious safety concerns, drainage can cause a number of different problems. Regardless of their nature, one thing is for certain – future homebuyers will be less likely to purchase your property if it has visible damage, unpleasant smells, and similar issues. Drainage problems can affect the value of your home in this way, leaving you at a loss and unable to sell. To prevent this from happening, here are some of the most frequent drainage issues you should keep in mind:
Dripping faucet
Dripping faucets are quite a regular occurrence that’s likely familiar to all homeowners. But apart from being irritating, this plumbing issue has another critical consequence – it can result in excessive water usage and surprisingly high water bills. This is an issue no homebuyer would like to face in the future. Some individuals were able to sue European governments over these and similar problems, but unfortunately, most of us live in areas where leaky faucets will need to be DIY-ed or handled by a professional. Check for corrosion, loose parts, and even damaged washer seals to resolve this issue.
Slow drain
If your sinks, bathtubs, or showers take a surprisingly long time to drain water, this is likely caused by a drain blockage somewhere in the system. Depending on the location, the issue could be caused by remnants of food, fats and oils, soaps and detergents, as well as too much hair. These problems are small, but they can lead to a build-up of grime and unpleasant odors if left untreated. This can significantly impact the selling potential of your home when prospective buyers visit your kitchen and bathrooms. So, aim to resolve any slow drain issues with plungers, soda and vinegar solutions, or specialized chemicals.
Blocked drains
Blocked drains are among the most common plumbing issues homeowners face. While this problem might seem minor at first, it can quickly become severe if it’s not handled properly. Clogged drains can cause other drains to back up, leading to water shortages or flooding, and ultimately affecting the value of your home. In countries such as Australia, where DIY drainage and plumbing work is illegal, this presents an even bigger issue. That is why Sydney homeowners often hire experts in blocked drains from North Shore to quickly and efficiently resolve this serious problem. When plumbing concerns are taken care of by a professional, damages to the property will be less likely.
Burst pipes
Pipes have a tendency to become brittle and old over time, which is quite an important concern if you live in an older home. In case your pipes burst, water damage can be created to ceilings and walls, insulation may be affected, floors can become flooded, dangerous mold might grow, and water could accumulate in any area of your home. These are all quite serious problems that could have damaging effects on your health and safety, as well as your home. Not to mention that they are particularly time-consuming and expensive to fix. Try to avoid burst pipes with regular maintenance and hire a professional for repairs if the need ever arises.
Backed-up sewer system
The sewage system is often overlooked, but if it ever gets backed up or becomes faulty in another way, the results can truly present a nightmare. The odors can be particularly unpleasant, and the entire system is very difficult and expensive to replace. A backed-up sewer could also lead to problems and disruptions in your home such as critter and insect infestations, foundation cracks, and flooding in your yard. For that reason, it’s best to attempt to prevent sewer back-ups by disposing of grease and paper products properly, cutting tree roots periodically, etc. If problems do occur, always contact an expert.
Running toilets
Running toilets are a frequent problem, but not a minor one. If they’re not fixed immediately, running toilets could waste surprising amounts of water, lead to expensive bills, and can be noticed by potential homebuyers immediately. To prevent this issue from affecting the value of your home, consider purchasing a toilet repair kit and tackling the running toilet on your own. However, more serious issues can also cause running toilets, such as leaks and sediments accumulating in the tank. These are best handled by a professional.
The problems mentioned above are just some of the many aspects of drainage that could potentially affect the value of your home. As with most things, regular maintenance and early detection will be crucial for avoiding issues and preserving your home’s value.