Home Inspection Plumbing

BE AWARE OF PROBLEM PLUMBING

Part of a home inspection is too inspect the plumbing system (where visible) for signs of leaks, proper drainage and venting and most importantly, issues with certain types of plumbing that may not be obvious. Here is an example. PB plumbing (polybutylene) has been known to have issues with leaking at the joints and causing damage to property. Several lawsuits were filed and as such we home inspectors (good ones) will make buyers aware of the problems with such a system. However, and here is where I am going to probably scare some inspectors, there is another system out there you need to be aware of. Currently there has been a class action lawsuit filed in Minnesota over Zurn Pex plumbing systems that use brass fittings. These fittings, according to the lawsuit, are prematurely failing, sometimes within months of installation, causing leaking behind walls and floors. See article: http://www.lawyersandsettlements.com/articles/10631/zurn-pex-brass-fitting-failures.html. Many people may have unexpectedly purchased a home with this type of plumbing system in the last year alone and not been aware of the potential problems that exist, even though they had a home inspection (not all inspectors will know about or call out such a concern). Did your inspector call this out if you have it? Usually the plastic piping will have Zurn Pex on it, but the fitting (suspected of being the problem), will a stamped letter like Q on it. Be aware this only involves the brass fittings. Here is another discussion board with a plumber discussing what he knows about the system: http://www.terrylove.com/forums/showthread.php?14888-Re-piping-with-pex. This is another great reason to have an independent home inspector to tell inform you of problems. If you have any questions or would like a quality Minneapolis or Saint Paul home inspection, call us @ 612-919-3844 or visit our website @ www.7countyhomeinspection.com