Most of what goes wrong in a closed home is slow and quiet. There is no alarm for a drain that has gone dry or a room that has been damp for a month. Here is what we mean when we say our visits cover water and air.
What is a drain trap, and why does it dry out?
Under every sink, tub, and shower is a curved section of pipe that holds a little water. That water forms a seal that keeps sewer gas from coming up the drain. When nobody runs the faucet for months in a dry Arizona house, the water can evaporate and the seal goes with it. The first sign is usually an odor.
How do you keep the traps full?
We keep them full simply by using them. On each visit we run every faucet and shower briefly and flush each toilet. It takes a few minutes and keeps the seals in place for the next few weeks.
Why would a desert house get damp?
Monsoon rain brings real humidity to the Valley from mid June through September. A sealed house with nobody opening doors can hold on to that moisture, especially in closets and bathrooms. We note the indoor humidity on each visit so a rising trend shows up in your reports before it turns into mildew.
What else do you check while the water is running?
We look under each sink, around the water heater, and behind the washer for drips, and we listen for a toilet fill valve that will not stop. If you closed the main water valve, we confirm it is still closed. If water is running where it should not be, we shut it off first and call you right after.
Is there anything to do before you leave?
Decide whether you want the main water valve closed, and show us where it is. Tell us about any water softener, filter, or recirculating pump. Everything else we look after inside is in the full visit breakdown for Sun City Grand homes.