Many people intuitively think that new-build homes are relatively problem-free. After all, if the building has literally just been put together, how can there be any problems with it?
The reality, unfortunately, is quite different. While some new-build homes are built to meticulously high standards, most are thrown together in a bit of a rush, and as a result, there can be a lot of issues to deal with. The issues listed below are just a few of the most common ones that you might run into when it comes to the plumbing system.
Rushed boiler installation
If you’re experiencing issues with your boiler or heating more generally, then it’s possible that it’s an installation issue. Given that the boiler will almost certainly be brand new, it’s likely that any issues will have arisen from a hastily completed setup without the necessary checks.
If you suspect that this may be the case, then it’s important to have the boiler looked at by a boiler technician from somewhere like Able Plumbers. They’ll be able to make sure that it’s functioning properly and, importantly, ensure that it’s safe to live with.
Leaks
Another potential issue you might see in new builds is leaky pipes. Whether one has been cracked or bent after it was installed or a joint wasn’t properly sealed, even the tiniest of gaps could result in a slow leak.
If you can see any small damp spots start to emerge anywhere on the walls or ceilings, or if your water bill is unexpectedly high, then it’s worth having it looked into. You can do leak tests, where you check your water meter before and after a set period of time without using any water, or get it checked out by a plumber.
Drainage installation issues
If the drainage pipes aren’t installed right, then it’s possible that the drainage won’t function properly, potentially resulting in pooling. If this occurs above ground, it should be relatively simple to fix. However, if it occurs below ground, it can be a bit more of a problem to sort out.
Sediment in the drains
When a house is being built, the site can end up being pretty chaotic. In the midst of all that chaos, it’s not uncommon that a certain amount of sediment and debris gets thrown into the drains, often before they’ve been fully installed and tested.
If that sediment isn’t removed, it can then result in blocked drains either straight away or after a few weeks or months. A drain cleaning service will likely be able to tell if this is the case, especially if it’s a new build and there hasn’t been time for other blockages to build up.
Many of these issues should be covered in your new build warranty. It’s important to identify and sort them out as quickly as possible, documenting any issues as thoroughly as you can. You shouldn’t have to end up out of pocket for mistakes that the home builder made.
We hope you found this post useful. You may also be interested in reading our previous related posts:
6 plumbing repairs you don’t need to call an expert for
When to call a professional plumber