Common Home Inspection Issues – February 2020

What do we look for during a home inspection?

Do you wonder what home inspectors look for or report about during the inspection process? Below are some common issues from the homes we inspected in and around Jacksonville, FL during the month of February. Most items that show up in the home inspection report are simple, inexpensive fixes that can be corrected before the home inspector finds them.

1. Polybutylene fixture supply lines

These are more of an issue in 80s and 90s era homes. Polybutylene is a type of plastic that reacts negatively to water-soluble oxidants (like chlorine) and over time will deteriorate, flake and become damaged. They have been known to fail without warning, which can cause damage to surrounding materials and personal belongings. The pipes/supply lines are typically stamped with the code “PB2110.”

2. Junction box cover plates

We find junction boxes with missing cover plates all the time in the attics we inspect. Cover plates are intended to contain fire and prevent electric shock from exposed wires. It’s a safety hazard, but can usually be repaired easily and inexpensively.

3. Loose toilets

Over time, toilets can become loose at the floor/base. Toilets should be securely anchored to the floor to prevent water damage. In most cases, tightening the anchor bolts and caulking around the base will do the trick. However, in some cases, repairs may also involve re-setting the toilet on a new wax seal. If neither of these methods work, then there is likely a problem with the flange, which will require further repair.

4. Incompatible circuit breakers at the electrical panel

Often times, when non-electricians install breakers for items such as replacement HVAC equipment or pool equipment, they install incompatible breakers in the electrical panel. Incompatible breakers are breakers that are manufactured by a company other than the panel manufacturer. Electrical panel manufactures warn that the use of other types of breakers may void the warranty and may not trip when required.

5. Dirty coil at the air handler

It’s important to have your HVAC equipment serviced periodically by a licensed professional. We often find clogged or dirty cooling fins at the air handlers’ evaporator coils. This condition can result in reduced efficiency of the system and higher energy costs.