I am Glad Outhouses are not the Current Trend

By
Home Inspector with IHI Home Inspections 404-788-2581

outhouse sign

         Luckily most of us do not remember the era of the outhouse, which originated in Europe well over 500 years ago or so. Indoor plumbing changed life as we know it,  without a doubt. However, we probably have relatives who had the privilege of using the one or two seater in all manner of weather. I am so glad the outhouse will most likely  not become a bathroom trend ever again!

           While inspecting Atlanta homes I see all sorts of bathroom trends. Some are modern and sleek - 

unique sink

And some are a bit outdated

bathtub from years gone by

  Regardless of the design, we run water in the bathtubs and sinks to see if they are draining properly, and we flush the toilet to make sure it is functioning as it should. 

Sometimes the pipes become clogged with hair making them slow to drain.   

 slow drain sink

  While there are many products out there that claim to help unclog drains, they are still chemicals and can be abrasive. A natural alternative is mixing 1/3 cup of baking soda with 1/3 cup vinegar. Of course you can also take the pipe apart if you are handy and scrape out the contents. Some websites promote using a coat hanger to snake out the clog. While this may work for some, it can also end up pushing the clog further into the pipes, making the issue worse. 

    If all of this seems too much to deal with, call a professional plumber out to help you. That's what they are there for! 

    We hope this information helps you maintain your home or at least mildly entertains you for a few moments. 

Have a great day!

To read our maintenance tips visit http://www.ahomeinspectoratlantaga.com, and

to book an inspection online visit our website http://www.ihihomeinspections.com   Call or click to book your Atlanta home inspection today! 404-788-2581

http://www.youtube.com/user/ihihomeinspections?feature=guide .

Comments (2)

Larry Johnston
Broker, Friends & Neighbors Real Estate and Elkhart County Subdivisions, LLC - Elkhart, IN
Broker,Friends & Neighbors Real Estate, Elkhart,IN

Hi David,  Thanks for giving us tips.  It sure helps us non inspectors. I have a slow drain in my bathtub, so I am going to use your suggested method.  Have a great day.

Mar 04, 2014 05:16 AM
Barbara-Jo Roberts Berberi, MA, PSA, TRC - Greater Clearwater Florida Residential Real Estate Professional
Charles Rutenberg Realty - Clearwater, FL
Palm Harbor, Dunedin, Clearwater, Safety Harbor

Back in the 70's, when I first visited relatives in what is today the Slovak Republic, out in the village my grandmother was born in, I had to use the outhouse, it was right next to the pig pen......yuck!

Mar 05, 2014 03:18 AM