Just curious, how old is the home with the cistern?
Regarding your questions/concerns:
any time a cistern is located on the property, I also note it as a safety hazard for children, pets and adults as well. I would also put in a comment about cisterns and how they are no longer used in most areas of the country (and have not been used in sometime). Often they are no longer approved or allowed by the AHJ.
anytime a home has an oil tank (either an AGST and especially an UGST), I let the client know once they purchase the home, they own the tank and anything in it (almost all tanks have some amount of residual oil left in it). This means they will be responsible for the tank and its contents. If the tank leaks, they will also be responsible for the clean up. Most of the time, a spill is considered a Hazardous Material or possibly Hazardous Waste. Cleaning up a hazardous material or waste product is a costly expense.
I see plumbing vent pipes like the one pictured on a regular basis. Typically it’s an older home that has had one or more additions (older farm style homes). I use similar verbiage and also add a note stating this is a non standard or unconventional type of installation.
I have no issue with the dryer vent though I am not sure about the PVC being used however it is less than 20 foot run from what I can guess if the dryer is right there.
As you said the oil tank is empty so they need a guy to use a cutting torch and remove it though that is up to them .Just suggest it can be removed.
As for the cistern which is what ,like a catch basin ,just recommend a plumber inspect it and see if it is still used and or that they might consider a padlock.
Here is what I reported on a similar vent outside of the home from an inspection yesterday and pics (attached):
Venting Overview **
The purpose of venting is to equalize the air pressure in the drainage system as wastewater moves through the pipes. This is accomplished by providing an escape route for the air in the drain pipes by way of vent pipes tied to the system. Without proper venting, wastewater would struggle to drain as it competes for space with the air in the pipes. Venting also allows air to be drawn in behind the wastewater, which prevents a vacuum from forming. Vacuums in the drainage system can siphon traps dry, allowing sewer gasses into the house. Common vent pipe materials include copper, galvanized steel, cast iron, and ABS black plastic. Like the water supply and drain piping, most of the vent piping is concealed behind interior finishes. During the inspection the following observations were made. Repair: The plumbing vent is located outside along exterior wall right side of house. It is susceptible to freezing. If foul odours are encountered in winter it should be relocated as per accepted building practices by a licensed plumber.**
OK you said laundry and I usually see basement laundry vents tied in with the kitchen or other plumbing so at least that is straight.
I would have just said plumbing vent I guess.
** The world can be a dangerous place .**
** I knew a person who used a saber saw to try and cut the top of a 45 gal Drum It exploded and he had very bad burns .**
** My Son did an Inspection’ 7 year old gas furnace and there was an oil tank in the basement . ** He wrote Hazard abanded oil Tank in Basement please have it removed by qualified person .
** This was written two places in his report . **
** Well some time after the new owner was in he decided to get three of his buddies to help take it out 1/2 way up the stairs they dropped the tank Broke the valve and oil on the floor . ** They sued My son the previous owner and both agents .
** My son said to his insurance company to not pay he did every thing proper . ** Well the Insurance got of with paying $5,000;00 against my sons wishes .
** His deductible was $5,000;00 so the insurance paid nothing then raised his Insurance cost next year as he had a claim.**
I just tell them to to put a straw in a glass of water while picking it back up with a finger on top.
Everyone gets it that way.
Plumbing vents go to the roof anyway and this one has no branch lines from above so it would be just vapor.Think there would be enough to freeze it up?
Since it is away fro the rest of the homes plumbing I would be wondering however where it drains to .
Not talking about a boiler. I would never recommend cutting anything used to store fuel oil with a cutting torch…who’s definition of ‘empty’ are you relying on??
Just imagine the following conversation; ‘Oh yeah’…‘That tank has been empty for years’…‘light the torch’…BOOM!!
Recommend evaluation and possible removal by a ***professional ***heating contractor.
Removing a boiler is a lot different than a tank,
I would not suggest a a torch or anything that can cause heat or sparks.
Recommend a Qualified contractor to remove .
Under ground storage tank. well that would be a red flag also , that can run you into big bucks. And Yes there is always something left in them.
I ran into a cistern a few years back that was still in use. The gutters were even tied into it. These have to be completely cleaned out every few years and maintained well or you’ll be drinking bacteria (Yum). Always refer out to a qualified water testing/filtration specialist.
Most cisterns are not for potable water supply, but rather clothes washing, irrigation, toilets, etc.
They are indeed still in use in many areas of the country. To say they are no longer allowed is quite presumptuous.
I have no issue with the dryer vent though I am not sure about the PVC being used quote]
PVC gets condensation build-up and attracts lint, Not recommend by most, if not all dryer manufacturers.
M1502.4.1 Material and size. Exhaust ducts shall have a smooth interior finish and shall be constructed of metal a minimum 0.016-inch (0.4 mm) thick. The exhaust duct size shall be 4 inches (102 mm) nominal in diameter.
PVC gets condensation build-up and attracts lint, Not recommend by most, if not all, dryer manufacturers.
M1502.4.1 Material and size. Exhaust ducts shall have a smooth interior finish and shall be constructed of metal a minimum 0.016-inch (0.4 mm) thick. The exhaust duct size shall be 4 inches (102 mm) nominal in diameter.
