Our SOP are vague on this issue. Most SOP’s require you check for things like functional flow, functional drainage, etc - then define those words. Ours don’t.
Many other SOP’s say the HI does not inspect underground drains or water linres once they leave the structure. Ours has something similar to this but you have to read 2-3 places to find them.
No - In 30 years I’ve never ran water down a floor drain. I run water while I’m in the house - thats it. NO - I don’t run water through each fixture for 30 - 45 minutes UNLESS I’m doing a septic system push and dye test.
If the drains work like this they’re good to go - If someone moves in 3 weeks to 1.5 months later and the drains back up - would I feel this was my responsibility - NOPE - no more than I would feel it was my car mechanics fault if my tire blew out 4 weeks after an oil change.
**** happens. Live with it or get in another line of work.
I am with Dan. The harder you check drains, the more liability. I had a home last year where all the drains where clear. Owner moved in about two months after my inspection and professional interior painting, and found a flooded basement and sewer back-up. A plumber came out and fished a painter’s rag out of the sewer. A lot of contractors clean chemicals at the home in toilets and sinks. It is not their home. Watch for painters. **** happens.
WEll I would have to disagree with Dan and You on this one the harder you check the drains the less Liability which came first the chicken or the egg the home inspector or the painter???
Been doing this for over 30 years. In Texas, Missouri, Kansas, Florida, California, and Colorado. Checking a drain for functional drainage is not putting a hose down it and running water for 30 minutes to an hour.
The test is whether water drains SLOWLY or BACKS UP during the 2-3 hour inspection and operation of fixtures, appliances, showers, toilets, etc.
An indirect is where a floor drain is placed in one area and then the pipe is taken over to the main floor drain riser on a tee. It can’t be done if the wastes are to shallow.
