Plumbing Problems in Maple Ridge, BC | Featured Home Inspection

Today’s featured inspection is a detached Home in Maple Ridge, BC, which was built in the 1980’s.

There were a few issues with this home, but most notably a fairly large plumbing problem:

During our inspections, if possible, we always measure water pressure. This is important as it can provide valuable information on the plumbing, pressure regulator valve, and the well equipment, if present.

This home’s interior water distribution pressure measured approximately 110 PSI. This is extremely high (we would expect about half that).

Looking at the pipes in the home, we have old polybutylene pipes, which have a history of failure and leakage.

Poly-B pipes with a pressure of over a hundred pounds will most likely burst or leak! We requested that a plumber come in and check the PRV (Pressure Regulating Valve), which may have failed.

There were also some electrical safety hazards:

The neutral wires were double (and triple) tapped. Double tapping is the dangerous practice of cramming more than one conductor into a terminal or slot. It can cause overheating and fires.

Also, the ground fault interrupter breaker had failed – another dangerous hazard. An electrician really needs to evaluate this panel!

The simple act of testing water pressure saved these buyers a potentially huge repair bill.