Special offer

Nashville Home Inspection - Toilet Leaks, How Bad Can it Be?? 8/9/10

By
Home Inspector with HABITEC Home and Building Inspections, LLC

WARNING - IF YOU ARE SQUEEMISH, DO NOT LOOK AT THESE PICTURES!

What happens when a toilet leaks below the toilet?  Sure, that can be bad, but how bad can it be?  Brace for the following pics, because it can be real bad.

In the pics below the wood has rotted and mold-like material has developed, the metal support structure has rusted significantly, and stalactites of waste material have grown on the framing.  This is a situation out of control and in need of immediate repair.

Toilet Leak Mold 1

Below is a closeup of the rotted wood and stalactite of bacteria.

Toilet Leak Bacteria 1

The following picture is from the other side of the last pic, showing the rusted framing, rotted wood and unfortunately, the stalactite of bacteria.

Toilet Bacteria 2

And the last picture is of the mold-like material growing on the dropped ceiling tile.

Mold-Like Material from toilet leak

Obviously, this toilet leak has created a problem that has gotten out of hand.  This is why, at HABITEC Home and Building Inspections, LLC, offering home and commercial building inspections in Nashville and Middle Tennessee, we have virtually zero tolerance for loose toilets.  Immediate attention is required in this case.

Thank you,

Richard Acree

logo

Comments in this blog posting are the copyrighted intellectual property of Richard Acree, President, HABITEC Home and Building Inspections, LLC, and contributing members of the Active Rain Real Estate network, and are intended to educate and otherwise assist home owners, sellers and buyers, building owners, sellers and buyers, realtors, real estate investors, property managers, and lenders in the process of owning, buying or selling homes or commercial buildings.  HABITEC is a residential (home) and commercial building inspection company serving Middle Tennessee including Nashville, Brentwood, Franklin, Murfreesboro, Smyrna, Mt. Juliet, Hendersonville, Dickson, Belle Meade, Columbia, Spring Hill and more!  In addition to building inspections HABITEC offers Environmental Services for mold assessments, radon testing and water quality analysis.  Additional information about HABITEC can be found on our website at http://habitecinspections.com, or call 615-376-2753. 

Richard Acree is the author of the HABITEC Home and Building Inspections Blog and founder of the ActiveRain Group Tennessee Home and Building Inspectors.  All are welcome to join and see more blogs like this one.  

Comments (4)

Paige Walker
Paige Walker - Pineville, LA
Real Estate Guru - Alexandria Pineville LA

Okay I know you warned me but, that is really gross! You think they would have known they had a problem! That's really bad!

Aug 09, 2010 02:14 PM
Robert Dirienzo
HABITEC Home and Building Inspections, LLC - Franklin, TN
Home Inspections - Nashville TN

Hello Paige,

Sorry about that hit.  I really questioned whether I should make this post.  But I have had some sellers discount the significance of a loose toilet.  These pictures put it all into perspective.  But it sure is hard on the eyes.  YUK!

Thanks,

Richard Acree

HABITEC Home and Building Inspections, LLC

http://habitecinspections.com

Aug 09, 2010 02:45 PM
The Brewer Team - Benchmark Realty
Benchmark Realty - Franklin, TN

Richard - good pictures and description of a fairly common problem. The strangest thing about these, is that sometimes the homeowner doesn't even know it's happening.

Aug 18, 2010 03:29 AM
Robert Dirienzo
HABITEC Home and Building Inspections, LLC - Franklin, TN
Home Inspections - Nashville TN

Hello to the Brewer Group!  Unfortunately you are correct, the loose toilet issue is common.  Most loose toilets are just that, a little loose.  Tightening of the nuts will usually take care of the situation.  However, if the toilet moves visibly when tested, then it should be removed completely from its mount and remounted with a new wax seal.  While the toilet is out of the way, the contractor should inspect the subfloor below the toilet to verify it is dry and not damaged.

Thank you,

Richard Acree

HABITEC Home and Building Inspections, LLC

http://habitecinspections.com

Aug 18, 2010 04:49 AM