Water Issues
Water problems range from minor condensation to major leaks. This guide helps you identify the issue, try basic troubleshooting, and understand your warranty coverage.
Call Classic Homes immediately (719-592-9333) if:
- Major leak requiring you to shut off main water supply
- Water intrusion from outside
- Sewer backup affecting entire home
While waiting: Shut off water at the source or main shut-off, and move belongings away from affected area.
Diagnose Your Water Problem
Use this flowchart to identify your issue and determine the appropriate action.
Identify Your Issue
Leak Inside Home
Common Causes:
- Loose faucet connections
- Failed supply line
- Clogged drain causing overflow
- Water heater failure
Try This First:
- Locate the source - check under sinks, around toilets, near water heater
- Turn off water supply to affected fixture (shut-off valves under sinks/behind toilets)
- Check if leak is from supply line (constant) or drain (only when water runs)
- For faucets with pull-out sprayers, check if base connection is loose
Is It Covered?
| Issue | Covered | Period | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plumbing system leaks | Yes | 2 years | Installation defects |
| Clogged drains | Yes | 30 days | After 30 days, homeowner responsibility unless installation defect |
| Fixture failure | Varies | — | May be manufacturer warranty |
Detailed Info: Plumbing System
Condensation on Windows
Common Causes:
- High indoor humidity
- Normal moisture from new construction materials
- Daily activities (cooking, showers, laundry)
- Temperature differential between inside and outside
Try This First:
- Use exhaust fans when cooking and showering
- Open windows briefly when weather permits
- Check that dryer vents to outside
- If you have a humidifier, lower the setting or turn off
- Avoid drying clothes indoors
Is It Covered?
| Issue | Covered | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Condensation on windows | No | Result of humidity and lifestyle, not defect |
| Damage caused by condensation | No | Unless caused by covered construction defect |
Why It Happens: New homes contain significant moisture in building materials (estimated 50 gallons). This evaporates over time. Combined with daily living, this can cause condensation, especially in winter.
Detailed Info: Condensation
Basement or Crawl Space Water
Common Causes:
- Grading/drainage issues
- Foundation crack allowing water entry
- Sump pump failure
- Landscaping directing water toward foundation
Try This First:
- Check that gutters and downspouts are clear and directing water away
- Verify splash blocks are in place and sloped away from home
- Inspect grading around foundation - soil should slope away from home
- If you have a sump pump, verify it's operating
- Check for obvious cracks in foundation walls
Is It Covered?
| Issue | Covered | Period | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water entry through foundation | Yes | Structural warranty | If grading/landscaping maintained properly |
| Sump pump failure | Yes | 2 years | Installation defects |
| Grading correction | Yes | 1 year | If original grade altered, coverage voided |
| Crawl space standing water | Yes | Limited | If caused by construction defect |
Important: Coverage may be voided if you or your landscaper altered the drainage patterns established by Classic Homes.
Detailed Info: Foundation | Grading & Drainage | Sump Pump
Drainage Problems (Yard)
Common Causes:
- Altered grading after closing
- Landscaping blocking drainage swales
- Settlement of backfilled areas
- Clogged subsurface drains
Try This First:
- Check if you or landscaper changed the original grade
- Clear any debris from drainage areas and swales
- Verify downspout extensions are in place
- Check subsurface drain covers for blockage
Is It Covered?
| Issue | Covered | Period | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standing water >24hrs within 5ft of home | Yes | 1 year | If grade not altered |
| Standing water >72hrs in swales | Yes | 1 year | If grade not altered |
| Settlement >4 inches in backfilled areas | Yes | 1 year | Will fill affected areas |
| Drainage after grade alteration | No | — | Homeowner responsibility |
Detailed Info: Grading & Drainage
No Water or Low Pressure
Common Causes:
- Shut-off valve closed
- Municipal water issue
- Clogged aerator
- Frozen pipes (winter)
Try This First:
- Check main shut-off at meter inside home - ensure it's open
- Check individual shut-offs under affected fixtures
- Contact water department to verify no area outage
- For low pressure at one faucet, clean the aerator (unscrew, rinse, replace)
- In winter, check if pipes may have frozen (especially in garage or exterior walls)
Is It Covered?
| Issue | Covered | Period | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Construction defects affecting supply | Yes | 2 years | Installation issues |
| Frozen pipes | No | — | Unless caused by construction defect |
| Municipal supply issues | No | — | Contact water department |
Detailed Info: Plumbing System
Water Heater Problems
Common Causes:
- Pilot light out (gas)
- Breaker tripped (electric)
- Thermostat issue
- Sediment buildup
- Unit failure
Try This First:
- Gas: Check if pilot light is lit; follow manufacturer instructions to relight
- Electric: Check breaker in electrical panel
- Verify temperature setting hasn't been changed
- Check for visible leaks around base
Is It Covered?
| Issue | Covered | Period | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Installation defects | Yes | 2 years | Classic Homes warranty |
| Unit/component failure | Varies | — | Manufacturer warranty |
| Damage from sediment buildup | No | — | Maintenance responsibility |
Detailed Info: Water Heaters (Gas) | Water Heaters (Electric)
Gutter & Downspout Issues
Common Causes:
- Debris clogging gutters
- Loose or misaligned sections
- Missing splash blocks
- Ice dams (winter)
Try This First:
- Clear debris from gutters (do this seasonally)
- Check that downspouts are connected and directing water away
- Verify splash blocks are in place and positioned correctly
- Look for visible gaps or sagging sections
Is It Covered?
| Issue | Covered | Period | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Loose or leaking gutters | Yes | 1 year | Installation defects |
| Gutter clogging | No | — | Maintenance responsibility |
| Ice dam damage | No | — | Weather-related |
Detailed Info: Gutters & Downspouts
When to Request Service
Contact Classic Homes if:
- Troubleshooting doesn't resolve the issue
- You have a leak you cannot stop
- Water is entering your basement (and grading hasn't been altered)
- You're within warranty period for the specific issue
Have Ready:
- Specific location of the problem
- When you first noticed it
- What you've already tried
- Photos if possible