So I completed my first inspection the other day and it went pretty good. My question is regarding the ice maker/water dispenser on the refrigerator. When tested neither one of them worked, when I checked inside the freezer the ice maker appeared to never have been used. So in my report I noted such along with some photos. The Agent called and asked me if there was a water line back there, I told her I did not know because I did not remove the refrigerator to check.
Here are my reasons for not moving the fridge;
It would not have been easily moved by myself as it had counters on both sides and cabinets up above it.
I was fearful that it could have had a line that was turned off for some unknown reason or kinked. If I moved it that kink could have broken, now I have a water leak problem.
I’m in Southern California if that matters.
Should I have just moved the fridge and checked? I got the impression from the agent that I was expected to.
No need to move the Refrigerator if they only need to know if there is a water line going to it. Look for one of theses in the basement or under the sink where the 1/4" water line would be hooked up.
You can also pull the fridge out a few inches to see the line in the back. Assuming it is on rollers.
You did the right thing. Just note it was not working and recommend it be corrected. You can end up buying someone else a new foor covering by moving appliances or furniture.
My response was to verify this and not move the fridge more than a few inches, a loaded fridge on rollers can still damage the flooring. A few inches allows you to see the line behind it.
I never moved anything. You are not a mover, as mentioned above. Having said that, you might have seen a connection under the sink or in the basement, if there is one, as Marcel suggested.
Besides how does an inoperable ice maker or water line on a fridge have any affect on the value of a property. Appliances may, or may not, be included in the deal.
Yep, do not move refrigerators. During a new build inspection last week, a young man working for the builder was working on the punch list & moved the refrigerator for reasons I do not know…
What you do will be up to you but as Brandon’s example displays that is exactly why I do not move refrigerators! What I will do is reach as best possible and use the camera with articulating screen to get a picture behind the refrigerator. In any case I still put it back on the owner to advise the client if a water line is present and working and explain refrigerators are not moved to preclude the chance of damaging flooring or other surrounding items.
I don’t move them often but I remember doing a home inspection where air fresheners were all over the place. After much research, I found that the crawlspace access was under the fridge. The fridge got moved and toilet paper was seen floating around; when you flushed the toilet it discharged down there…
Thanks for the response and feedback it is greatly appreciated. Being my first inspection, I began to second guess myself. The examples and photos were a big help!
I would not doubt that everyone has second guessed themselves on their first and possibly first few inspections. It does get better as you settle in and see what occurs and learn to deal with it. Keep your eyes and mind open and always review your inspection protocols, methods, reports, client dealings, etc., and very soon you’ll fall into a very logical working groove for your own operation and second guessing will all but disappear!
BTW did you go back to the office and take a long time to decompress after the first one?
Unless it’s a built-in fridge, I would specifically exclude it from the inspection. I also agree with others about not moving it.
OP said he was in SoCal. Basements are atypical in SoCal.
Congratulations on your first inspection.
Never move a fridge…or anything else substantial… My wife move our fridge once to clean behind it and water went everywhere…yep it happens when the line is shorter than expected…
The New Jersey SOP do not include the fridge.
Household appliances limited to: (1) The kitchen range and oven to determine operation of burners or heating elements excluding microwave ovens and the operation of self-cleaning cycles and appliance timers and thermostats; (2) Dishwasher to determine water supply and drainage; and (3) Garbage disposer.
