Kamloops Home Inspections: Bathroom Inspections, Safety & Going Green

Todd Hrycenko Home InspectorThe bathroom is one of the most used and abused rooms in a typical home. Bathrooms have plumbing, electrical and mechanical devices, along with cabinets and floors that need to be inspected. Inspecting the bathroom is a critical part of any general home inspection. A Global Property Inspections professional will check the toilet, the sink and the tub/shower. Although the condition and proper operation of these fixtures are key parts of a functioning bathroom, there are other important things to take note of.

Streaks down the paint where the water has run after condensing on the walls, peeling wallpaper or wet drywall may be signs of moisture damage in the bathroom.  The most common causes of moisture damage in a bathroom are not having an exhaust fan in the room, having too small a fan or not using the fan.

Bathroom Safety

Bathroom Inspection and SafetyThe combination of water, medications and electrical appliances make safety precautions in and around the bathroom essential. The Home Safety Council advises families to follow the following tips for bathroom safety:

Prevent falls in the bathroom by:
installing a grab bar by the bathtub and shower; putting non-slip strips in your tub or shower; having a non-skid bath mat; and using nightlights in hallways and bathrooms.

Protect young children by: not leaving children unsupervised in the bathroom; being aware of the things in your bathroom that are poisonous; keeping all medications and cleaning products in their original containers with child safety caps; and locking away all medications, cosmetics and cleaning products.

Prevent electrical shock injuries by: keeping hair dryers, curling irons and electric razors away from water; always unplugging appliances after using them; and making sure all electrical outlets in the bathroom have a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI). This tool protects you from a dangerous shock when water and electricity come together.

Going Green In The Bathroom

Go Green In The BathroomAbout 60 percent of a home’s water consumption takes place in the bathroom. Take into consideration the following items in your bathroom to find out ways you can make an environmental difference.

• The toilet accounts for 26.7 percent of water consumption in the home. Replacing your toilet with a more efficient one could save thousands of gallons of water annually.

• Showers waste a large amount of water; multi-head showers can spew 80 gallons per minute.

• Harmful bathroom cleaner ingredients can leave behind traces we end up inhaling when they dissolve in shower steam. Clean the air in your bathroom with green cleaning products. Choose dye-free products free of synthetic fragrances and choose products in packaging that is recyclable in your area.

• You can purchase recycled paper for your household uses, too. A wide variety of paper towels, napkins, toilet paper and tissues can be found to fit your “green” needs. Even eco-friendly bath towels and washcloths can be an easy alternative.

Make a big impact in the environment and in your home by creating a green bathroom.

Todd Hrycenko, Global Property Inspections
ac.cbipgnull@ddot 250-371-2787