Plumbing Problems Can Happen In New Houses, Too
So often, homeowners assume that plumbing issues are something that occurs only in older homes. If you live in new home, you may figure leaks and rusted pipes aren't something you need to be concerned about — and for the most part, you are correct. However, new homes are not completely immune to plumbing trouble. The plumbing problems they experience are simply different from the plumbing problems seen in 50 or 100-year-old houses. Here's a look at some of the plumbing issues that may arise in a newer house.
Leaking fixtures and joints.
The pipes themselves in a new home are unlikely to spring a leak. They're typically made from copper or PEX, neither of which will deteriorate any time soon. However, you could experience leaks at the joints where two pipes come together. This is likely to occur if the builder was not as careful as they should have been when connecting the pipes, which does happen occasionally when builders are on a rushed schedule. You can also get leaks where pipes connect to your fixtures.
Keep an eye out for moisture accumulation on walls or floors, as this is often the first sign of a leak. Contact a plumber. Luckily, they should have a pretty easy time repairing any leaks.
Clogged drain pipes.
You might assume newer pipes would be less likely to clog, but in some cases, the opposite is actually true. Building codes have begun to allow narrower drain pipes to be used, primarily because people are more aware that they should not be flushing things like paper towels and tissues. The consequence is that these narrower drain pipes are more prone to clogs. If your drains seem to slow down, don't ignore it or assume it's your imagination. You probably do need a plumber out to remove the blockage — and you should probably be more careful about what you allow down the drain, too.
Running toilets.
When you flush a toilet, the tank should fill. This takes a minute or two. If the toilet keeps on running and running or if the toilet tank randomly fills again after it has not been flushing, this indicates that something is wrong. Don't worry; the issue is likely minor. In a newer toilet, it's likely that the chain that is attached to the flapper is not the right length or that one of the rubber components is not sealing well. A plumber should be able to fix it within a few minutes.
Plumbing issues may be less common in newer homes, but they are not unheard of. Call a plumber if you suspect something is wrong.
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