Plumbing
Types of Plumbing
Older homes may have lead or galvanized plumbing supply lines installed. Many insurance companies will not insure homes with galvanized supply lines. Commonly, these pipes will rust from the inside out. The pipes can corrode at any time however this rust accumulates over decades. Sometimes if the water is not in use and then turned on you can see that the water is brownish in colour or that fixtures have become rust stained. Because galvanized pipes tyypically rust from inside out they could burst without warning. The average life span of galvanized plumbing is geneally at 50 years so any home with galvanized would be over its life expectancy.
Copper Plumbing Copper is the most common of plumbing materials installed in homes today. Copper can fill with corrosion and if you were to cut a 15 - to 20 year old copper line you would find a built up of calcium and other minerals on interior of pipes. Copper is also soft and when in contact with other metals the galvanic reaction can cause early failure. Ensure all copper pipes are supported with approved or copper material supports.
Copper Plumbing
Pex Plumbing Many newer homes are now having Pex or Poly plumbing lines installed. This is my preferance as Pex will be in the same condition in 20 years as it is today. There will be no build up of chemicals or calcium etc and the material is just too easy to work with. I still have all my copper plumbing equipment but all my plumbing and renovations are now done with Pex.
Cheater Valves This is the old name for Air Admittance Valves because they used to be illegal for use in a home. In Ontario they are permitted to be used for fixtures in an island, fixtures that may be affected by frost closure, fixtures in one and two family dwellings undergoing renovations or area where installing a vent may not be practical. The vent must be approved type. Most shiny chrome plastic ones are not approved.
Plumbing Vents Plumbing vents must be 3 inch in diameter when passing through roof. Plumbing vents must extend beyond the roof line. Many older homes have 1 1/2 plumbing vents attached to outside walls and underneath soffits, this is not permitted.
| Barrie Home Inspector | Office Phone: (705) 795-8255 |
| Stollar Blvd, Barrie | Inspection Scheduling: (888) 818-8608 |
| Alliston, Barrie, Orillia, Simcoe County | Email: Click here to contact us |
| WETT Inspections |
