Akron’s Top 5 Hidden Home Hazards [2025 Guide]

Don’t Let These Sneaky Problems Turn Your Dream Home Into a Nightmare

Buying or owning a home in Akron, Ohio? While some issues are obvious (like a leaky faucet or cracked window), others lurk out of sight—until they become expensive emergencies. At Cuyahoga Valley Inspections, we’ve uncovered the top 5 hidden hazards that Akron homeowners often miss.

Catch them early, and you’ll save thousands in repairs—ignore them, and you could face safety risks, insurance headaches, or even a collapsed sale.

**1. Sewer Line Disasters (Clay Pipes & Tree Roots)

Why It’s a Problem:

• Many Akron homes (especially those built before 1980) have clay or cast-iron sewer pipes.

• Tree roots love to invade these pipes, causing blockages, backups, and even collapses.

• Freeze-thaw cycles worsen cracks over time.

💡 Red Flags:
✔ Slow drains or gurgling sounds
✔ Sewage smells in the yard
✔ Patches of extra-lush grass (possible leak)

🚨 Solution: Sewer scope inspection ($175–$400) can spot problems before they flood your basement.

2. Toxic Mold in Basements & Crawl Spaces

Why It’s a Problem:

• Akron’s humid summers + frequent rain create perfect mold conditions.

• Hidden mold can cause allergies, asthma, and long-term health issues.

🔍 Where to Look:
✔ Behind drywall or under carpets
✔ Around basement windows
✔ Near plumbing leaks

🚨 Solution: Professional mold testing (air + surface samples) if you smell mustiness or see discoloration.

3. Outdated Electrical Wiring (Fire Hazard)

Why It’s a Problem:

• Older Akron homes may have:

  • Knob-and-tube wiring (pre-1950s, fire risk)

  • Aluminum wiring (1960s–70s, overheating hazard)

• These systems aren’t built for modern power loads (ACs, computers, etc.).

⚠️ Warning Signs:
✔ Flickering lights
✔ Warm outlets
✔ Frequent breaker trips

🚨 Solution: Full electrical inspection—rewiring costs $5,000+ but prevents fires.

4. Foundation Cracks From Expansive Clay Soil

Why It’s a Problem:

• Akron’s clay-heavy soil swells when wet, shifts when dry, and stresses foundations.

• Horizontal cracks = serious structural concern.

🏠 Red Flags:
✔ Doors/windows that stick
✔ Uneven floors
✔ Gaps between walls and ceiling

🚨 Solution: Foundation inspection + possible piering or drainage fixes ($3,000–$15,000).

5. Radon Gas (Silent & Deadly)

Why It’s a Problem:

• Radon is a radioactive gas from soil—#1 cause of lung cancer in non-smokers.

• Summit County has moderate-to-high radon levels (EPA recommends testing ALL homes).

📊 Scary Stat: 1 in 4 Akron homes tests above safe radon limits.

🚨 Solution: $175 radon test (48-hour test)—mitigation systems cost ~$1,200 if needed.

How to Avoid These Hazards

1. Get a Specialized Inspection – Standard checks often miss these issues.

2. Ask About History – Previous water damage? Old pipes? DIY repairs?

3. Test, Don’t Guess – Mold, radon, and sewer scopes are worth the investment.

📅 Pro Tip: Schedule inspections before buying or every 3–5 years for older homes.