The Builder Says A Washing Machine Drip Pan Doesn't Catch Leaks Anyway
BUILDERS LIE.
MANY BUILDERS DON'T CARE WHAT HAPPENS AFTER SETTLEMENT.
WHAT IS IN THE ARCHITECHURALS FOR INSTALLATION OF THIS DRAIN SYSTEM??
ALL NEW HOME BUYERS NEED A PRE-DRYWALL INSPECTION BY AN INDEPENDENT HOME INSPECTOR.
HOUSE FLOODS ARE EXPENSIVE.
HOUSE FLOODS CAUSE A LOT OF DAMAGE TO AREAS BENEATH.
ONCE THE HOUSE IS BUILT, IT WILL BE TOO LATE TO INSTALL THE PLUMBING FOR A DRIP PAN.
ONCE WATER INTRUDES INTO FLOORS, WALLS, INSULATION, SUB-FLOORING, FOR EVERY AREA UNDER THAT WASHING MACHINE, IT CAN REMAIN FOR LONG PERIODS OF TIME PERMITTING THE GROWTH OF MILDEW AND MOLD.
IF THE BUILDER TOOK THIS SHORT CUT OR MADE THIS MISTAKE, WHAT OTHER DEFECTS DID THEY LEAVE??
BUILDERS LIE.
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Are drip pans under washing machines, or water heaters, or HVAC mechanisms on upper floors important?
In this house, the builder says a washing machine drip pan doesn't catch leaks anyway.
If not, then why are they used everywhere else?
When I see a laundry room on an upper level, and in this house it is on the middle level, I always look to see what's underneath it.
Sometimes when there is an unfinished area underneath the builder does not put a pan under a laundry room.
Does the code require it? No. Nor does this county.
But what about common sense? Or good sense? Or best practice?
There is clearly no plan for a drip pan in this laundry room. The drywall installation was scheduled for a couple of days hence.
And what's underneath? The full bathroom for the basement mother-in-law suite.
You are looking at the wall that will house the sink on the left and the shower/tub on the right.
So why no drip pan?
My client asked.
Here is her email telling me what the builder said:
"He said because its a green house, no drip pan was done purposefully because the water hose would decrease the energy rating. He was saying a drip pan wouldn't do anything if there really was a leak anyways."
Excuse me for sounding obtuse. But, WHAT?
Well, silly, silly me! Gee, I feel badly for even mentioning it!
I'm not sure what she means by "water hose," but still, I am wondering why any "hose" (supply or drain line) would affect any energy rating. And why are there drip pans under so many things if they "don't do anything anyways?"
Sometimes builder practices baffle me, but sometimes builder answers BAFFLE ME TOO!
Maybe because I am so obtuse I am easy to baffle!
My recommendation: when you see something amiss or missing in new construction, see if you can find out why. If the answer doesn't make sense, LIKE THE ONE ABOVE, continue to pursue it! Don't say whatever should be should be. Instead suggest that WHAT SHOULD BE, SHOULD BE! And a washing machine drip pan SHOULD BE BEST PRACTICE!
Jay Markanich Real Estate Inspections, LLC
Based in Bristow, serving all of Northern Virginia
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