Aluminum Wiring
If your home was built or renovated between 1965 and the late 1970s, beware of aluminum wiring! Aluminum wiring has been the cause of residential electrical fires for decades. If you have aluminum wiring, there are ways to remediate the potential problems and risks.
Poly-B Plumbing
Beware of Poly-B piping if your home was built or renovated between the 1980s and the 1990s. Polybutylene (Poly-B) piping became popular because it was a cheap alternative to copper, flexible, and easy to install. If you have Poly-B pipes, it is not a question of if they will fail, but when.
Unfortunately, many insurance companies will not cover water damage caused by Poly-B piping failures and may not insure homes with this piping.
Aging Main Sewer Line
Your main sewer line conveys waste from your home to the municipal sewer system daily. Over time, sewer lines can crack, crumble, and deteriorate. Homes built before 1980 often have cast iron, clay, or non-corrosive pipes, which can degrade over time.
Most clogs are identified only after sewage begins to back up into your home.
Pioneer Electrical Panel
Many older electrical panels, such as “Pioneer” or “Slab-Lok” brands, have a history of failed breakers that can cause house fires. Failures occur when breakers fail to trip during overloads, leading to overheating.
Home inspectors are usually aware of these panels. It may be wise to replace them before selling your home. Regardless of age or brand, have all electrical panels inspected before buying or selling a home.
If you own or are considering a home with a “Pioneer” or “Slab-Lok” panel, treat it as a red flag. Replacing it improves safety and can simplify insurance and resale.
Leaks
Leaking faucets or pipes can cause significant damage over time. Mould and mildew often hide behind walls and baseboards under a fresh coat of paint.
When inspecting a home, look for indicators of past or current water damage. Check under sinks, walls, ceilings, and baseboards for water damage, mould, or mildew.
Toilet Installed Incorrectly
DIY-installed toilets can leak if not properly sealed. Leaks can damage floors or, in multi-story homes, ceilings below. During a home inspection, insist that any improperly functioning toilet be replaced by a professional plumber.
Old Furnace
Older furnaces are less efficient than newer models. Mid-efficiency furnaces (2000–2011) and low-efficiency furnaces (20th century) cost more to run and become less efficient over time.
It is recommended to have an HVAC technician inspect the furnace before selling a home. While home inspectors are knowledgeable, they may not conduct a thorough furnace evaluation. Scheduling a technician alongside your inspector ensures a detailed assessment and avoids surprises.