Protect Your Piece of History: Why Your Older Home Needs a 20-Point-Inspection
There’s a unique charm to owning an older home. The architectural details, the sturdy craftsmanship, the sense of history embedded in the walls—it’s something you simply can’t find in new construction. However, along with that character comes the responsibility of maintaining systems that have been working for decades. The plumbing, heating, and air conditioning in a home built 60 years or more ago weren’t designed for today’s demands, and hidden issues can lead to costly emergencies.
At Option One Plumbing, Heating & Air, we believe in preserving the beauty of your classic home while ensuring it’s safe, efficient, and comfortable for modern living. That’s why we’re proud to offer a comprehensive 20-point-inspection specifically designed for homes like yours. This no-cost, no-obligation assessment is the first step toward peace of mind.
The Hidden Challenges in Your 60+ Year-Old Home
Before we dive into the benefits of our inspection, it’s important to understand what your home’s aging systems might be facing. 
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Aging Pipes: Galvanized steel pipes, common in mid-century homes, are prone to corrosion from the inside out. This leads to reduced water pressure, discolored water, and a high risk of sudden leaks. Older copper piping can suffer from pinhole leaks, while early plastic pipes may have become brittle.
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Outdated Heating Systems: While many old furnaces and boilers are remarkably durable, their efficiency is a fraction of modern units. This means higher energy bills and uneven heating. More critically, components like heat exchangers can crack over time, posing a potential safety risk.
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Insufficient Electrical for Modern HVAC: An older home’s electrical system was not designed to power a modern central air conditioner. This can lead to tripped breakers, overtaxed wiring, and even fire hazards if not properly addressed.
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Ventilation and Drainage Issues: Settling foundations over decades can misalign drain pipes, leading to chronic clogs and slow drainage. Inadequate ventilation in attics and crawl spaces can cause moisture buildup, which damages wood and promotes mold growth.
What is Our Exclusive 20-Point-Inspection?
Our 20-point-inspection is not a quick glance. It’s a thorough, top-to-bottom examination of the core systems that keep your home running. When one of our certified technicians visits your home, they will meticulously check the following:
Plumbing System Check:
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Water Pressure Assessment: Ensuring pressure is within safe limits to protect your pipes.
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Pipe Material and Condition: Identifying the type of pipes and checking for visible corrosion or damage.
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Water Heater Inspection: Checking the age, condition, anode rod, and safety settings of your water heater.
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Fixture Functionality: Testing faucets, showerheads, and valves for leaks and proper operation.
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Drain Flow and Condition: Checking for slow drains and assessing the condition of visible trap and drain assemblies.
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Toilet Stability and Leaks: Ensuring toilets are securely mounted and not leaking at the base.
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Main Shut-Off Valve Operation: Verifying that the main water shut-off valve works easily and completely.
Heating System Check:
8. Furnace/Boiler Age and Efficiency Evaluation: Determining the system’s age and estimated efficiency.
9. Heat Exchanger Inspection: A critical safety check for cracks in the heat exchanger.
10. Burner Assembly Cleaning and Inspection: Ensuring clean and efficient combustion.
11. Blower Motor and Belt Check: Assessing the motor’s condition and airflow.
12. Thermostat Calibration: Ensuring your thermostat reads accurately.
13. Ductwork/Venting Inspection: Checking for leaks, blockages, or damage in the vents and flues.
14. Safety Control Test: Verifying that all safety shut-off features are operational.
Air Conditioning System Check:
15. A/C Unit Age and Condition: Assessing the outdoor condenser unit’s age and physical state.
16. Refrigerant Level Check: Ensuring the system has the correct charge for peak performance.
17. Coil Cleanliness: Checking both indoor and outdoor coils for dirt and debris that reduce efficiency.
18. Condensate Drain Inspection: Ensuring the drain line is clear to prevent water damage.
19. Electrical Connections Check: Tightening and inspecting connections for safety.
20. System Performance Test: Running the system to check cooling ability and airflow.
The Full Benefits of an Option One 20-Point-Inspection
Choosing Option One for your 20-point-inspection is more than just a free service; it’s an investment in the long-term health of your home. Here’s what you gain:
1. Unmatched Peace of Mind
Knowledge is power. Instead of worrying about what might be lurking behind the walls or in the basement, you will have a clear, professional assessment. Whether the inspection reveals everything is in good shape or identifies areas of concern, you can stop guessing and start planning with confidence.
2. Proactive Problem-Solving, Not Reactive Panic
The goal of our 20-point-inspection is to find small issues before they become big, expensive disasters. A small drip from a water heater today could be a flooded basement tomorrow. A slightly cracked heat exchanger can be addressed before it becomes a carbon monoxide risk. We help you be proactive, saving you from the stress and high cost of emergency repairs.
3. Expert Insight from Older Home Specialists
Our technicians are trained to understand the nuances of older construction. We know what to look for and how to diagnose problems specific to vintage systems. We don’t just see an old furnace; we see a system with a history, and we know how to evaluate its future. You’re not getting a generic inspection; you’re getting specialized expertise.
4. A Clear, No-Obligation Roadmap
After the inspection, we provide a detailed report of our findings in plain English—not technical jargon. We’ll explain what’s working well, what needs monitoring, and what requires immediate attention. If any repairs or replacements are recommended, we provide transparent, upfront pricing. There is absolutely no pressure to proceed; the information is yours to use as you see fit.
5. Improved Safety for Your Family
This is the most important benefit. Our inspection includes critical safety checks for gas leaks, carbon monoxide risks, electrical hazards, and water damage that could lead to mold. Ensuring these systems are safe is our highest priority.
6. Enhanced Comfort and Efficiency
Even if your systems are still running, they might not be running well. Our inspection can identify issues causing cold spots, poor airflow, or sky-high utility bills. By addressing these inefficiencies, you can enjoy a more comfortable home and lower monthly expenses.
Schedule Your Free 20-Point-Inspection Today
Your older home is a treasure. Protect its legacy and ensure it remains a safe, comfortable sanctuary for your family for years to come. Don’t wait for a pipe to burst or a furnace to fail on the coldest night of the year.
Contact Option One Plumbing, Heating & Air today to schedule your free, no-obligation 20-point-inspection. Let our experts provide the care and attention your classic home deserves.