home inspection Archives - Clarity Home Inspection

As a homeowner, you know that no house is perfect. Every home, whether new or old, has its very own characteristics. And here in Pittsburgh, there are some common problems that I come across more often than not as a Pittsburgh Area home inspector.

Let’s take a closer look at what those issues might be and why they matter. Trust me; it’s not all doom and gloom! With the right knowledge, you can handle these issues like a pro.

1. Basement and Foundation Issues

With the type of soil and weather we have here in the ‘Burgh, foundation problems are not uncommon. Cracks, leaks, or even a slightly tilted foundation can cause serious structural problems. Keep an eye out for signs like uneven floors or doors that won’t close properly. And if you’re in doubt, don’t hesitate to call in a professional to take a look.

2. Aging Plumbing Systems

Pittsburgh’s rich history means many homes here have character – and sometimes, that character extends to aging plumbing. Corroded pipes, slow drains, or recurring leaks might be charming (not really), but they’re signs you need to investigate further.

3. Roofing Woes

Our beloved Pittsburgh weather can wreak havoc on roofs. I’ve seen more than my fair share of missing shingles, leaks, and poor ventilation.

4. Electrical Quirks

From outdated wiring to overloaded circuits, electrical problems are something I often come across. It’s a serious safety concern and something you should never attempt to fix yourself unless you’re a licensed electrician.

5. Energy Efficiency Challenges

Who doesn’t want to save a few bucks on their energy bills? But many homes in our area lack proper insulation and energy-efficient windows. While it might cost a bit upfront to fix these issues, the long-term savings are well worth it.

6. Pest Intruders

We all love nature, but no one likes unwanted guests in their home. Termites, ants, and even the occasional raccoon have been known to set up shop in Pittsburgh homes. Regular inspections and preventive measures can keep these pesky critters at bay.

Of course a great way to keep your Pittsburgh area home healthy is by hiring a professional home inspector to make sure everything is of top notch!

When it becomes Summer in the Pittsburgh Area, air-conditioning is a big deal! Air conditioning was first invented in the 1920’s and involves the compression and evaporation of volatile gases called refrigerants in order to remove the heat from your home. While we’ve refined the process over the last century, there are still quite a few moving parts to contemporary cooling systems nowadays and they do require maintenance.

The Absence of a Secondary Safety Switch

Secondary condensation drains are not always installed unfortunately! These drains are technically optional, as long as another means of shutting down the cooling system is present should the primary condensation drain become clogged. But all too often, especially on older residences, we see an air conditioning system that does not have any type of secondary drain.

Clogged Condensation Drains

Have you ever seen water dripping out of the pipe in the sticking out of the ceiling of your porch or exterior wall above a window? That is probably your secondary condensation drain, and if water is coming out of that pipe, it probably means that your primary condensation drain is clogged!

Cooling systems operate like big de-humidifiers, removing moisture from the air. This moisture has to go somewhere, so it collects on the evaporator coil and drains into a drip-pan, which is connected to a drain to the exterior. Periodically, this drain will get very clogged, because the cool, damp and dark space inside the pipe is a prime spot for gunk and algae to grow. The primary drain line can periodically maintained by pouring dilute bleach or white vinegar down the condensate drain, such as when you change your air-filters, but eventually you will likely need to use compressed air to physically blow out the line. When you don’t, the line gets blocked and condensation then goes to the secondary condensation drain.

Dirty Condensers

The condenser is the large, noisy, usually square shaped unit that exists outside. These systems contain a compressor that condenses the refrigerant and a large fan that blows air over the refrigerant lines to dissipate heat. These condensers are filled with aluminum radiator fins similar to a car’s radiator, and periodically these fins require cleaning. There are plenty of online tutorials about cleaning your own condensers as well as products that can be found affordably at your local hardware store, but you may consider contacting your local HVAC professional to provide a general cleaning and servicing of the system. Dirty condenser coils will reduce the lifespan of the equipment as well as reduce the energy efficiency of the equipment, so keep the coils clean!

Have more questions regarding what home inspectors look for? Feel free to contact your Crescent Township Area Home Inspector Pro today!

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Common Problems in Pittsburgh Homes: What You Need to Know