Mr Inspector, a qualified building inspector in Melbourne, took the above photograph during a building inspection in Black Rock showing leaking plumbing pipes.

Excess dampness in a sub floor area (under the home) is conducive to termite infestation and can also cause settlement in the homes footings or stumps.  If defects like this are found during our house inspections, it is imperative that this problem be rectified as soon as possible.

The cause can be poor drainage in the landscape around the house, leaking plumbing, down pipes not adequately connected to storm water or broken storm water. A plumber would be required to assess and rectify.

This defect shows the importance of having your potential home inspected by a qualified building inspector prior to purchasing.  Once defects are detected during the house inspection one is able to negotiate on the price of the home.