# El Mirage Home Inspection Uncovers Termite Trails and Hidden Leaks

- Link: https://propertyinspectionsplus.com/el-mirage-home-inspection-termite-tubes/
- Published: 2026-10-25T02:23:23+00:00
- Author: homeinspectordan

This home in El Mirage, in the West Valley, was built in 2000. Before I even went
inside, I could hear water running through the main shutoff. When I closed the valve,
the sound stopped. That means water was flowing somewhere in the house, and termites
were already on the outside walls.

## Termite tubes all around the house

There were termite tubes along both sides of the house, on the back wall and around
the front door, including one right under the door. Many had been painted over. 
I did not see live termites that day. The listing agent said the home had been treated
the week before and that the warranty would transfer to the buyer. If you are the
buyer in a situation like this, get that warranty in writing.

Inside, on a ceiling at the far end of the house, there were rows of tiny dots and
holes. Those are termite trails. Termites build tubes down from the attic, poke 
through the drywall, find nothing and seal the hole back up, leaving little dirt
spots. Nearby was an old water stain and bubbled trim, which is likely what drew
them in.

## Finding the leaks with a thermal camera

Using my [thermal camera](https://propertyinspectionsplus.com/thermal-imaging-inspection/),
I found the area behind one toilet was wet, along with a dripping shower and a leaking
angle stop. That water goes right into the ground next to the same wall where the
termites were. Fix your water leaks and you control your termites. It really is 
that simple.

## Garage and water heater safety

 * **No garage curb.** The drywall and trim run all the way to the floor, so termites
   can climb the wall unseen, and water or gas has nowhere to go.
 * **No bollard** to protect the water heater from a car.
 * **No sediment trap** on the gas line.
 * **No combustion air vents** for the gas water heater in a sealed garage.
 * **Missing weather stripping** on the door between the garage and the house.

## No carbon monoxide detectors

The home had gas for the water heater and stove, but only smoke detectors. Two bedrooms
sit right off the laundry and garage door. CO detectors are a must-fix in a home
with gas appliances.

## Other items

 * A microwave vent that had never vented outside, because the flap was never removed
   when it was installed.
 * Bathroom fans that did not work, with musty air and high humidity.
 * Mouse droppings and an open hole behind the kitchen sink from a plumbing repair.
 * CPVC spliced into a copper plumbing system.
 * A 1994 refrigerator in a 2000 house, still running.

## Termite inspections in Gilbert and across Arizona

Property Inspections Plus is based in Gilbert, and we inspect throughout the West
Valley, including El Mirage, [Glendale](https://propertyinspectionsplus.com/home-inspector-glendale-az/)
and [Peoria](https://propertyinspectionsplus.com/home-inspector-peoria-az/). Every
home inspection includes a [termite (WDO) inspection](https://propertyinspectionsplus.com/termite-inspection/)
at no extra charge, done by Dan Pierce, a Certified Master Inspector and licensed
Arizona termite inspector. If no active termites are found, your inspection also
comes with a 1-year termite warranty backed by our partners at [Firehouse Pest Control in Gilbert](https://firehousepest.com/services/termite-treatment/).

Want to learn the warning signs yourself? Start with [how to spot termites in your Arizona home](https://propertyinspectionsplus.com/how-to-spot-termites-arizona-home/),
or browse more [termite posts](https://propertyinspectionsplus.com/category/termites/).

**Buying a home?** [Book your inspection online](https://app.spectora.com/home-inspectors/my-inspection-company-f8d6dbae4e/schedule)
or call [623-399-0079](https://propertyinspectionsplus.com/el-mirage-home-inspection-termite-tubes/6233990079).