Research & Writing Assignment:
Hard Water, is not harmful or a Hazard to humans, Magnesium & calcium are the break down as it passes through soil & rocks it can cause problems in the Home . to fine out if you have hard water get your water tested…
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This is a picture of a well and pumping system inside the basement. The first and most obvious problem is the height of the casing. Internachi requires at least 6 inches from grade to the top of the casing, however most states require at least 12 inches from grade level to the top of the casing. There also appears to be a leak in the piping or pressure tank, due to the rust. The pressure switch also needs a cover on it to avoid the possibility of someone getting an electric shock by touching it.
Research & Writing Assignment:
I once had some property that had a dug well on it that was 18 ft deep. Late in the summer when the creek went dry, the well also went dry. This was just surface water of poor quality, so I drilled a well 300 feet deep a got good quality water and over 40 gallons per minute.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The photo shows a back flow prevention device commonly seen on garden hose spigots called a vacuum breaker. It works by using water pressure to block air vents. If the pressure drops, the valve opens, allowing air to enter and breaking a siphon.
Research & Writing Assignment:
In the article titled Water Quality about drinking water, the author describes the drinking water in the United States as “one of the safest water supplies in the world”. There can however be wide fluctuations in quality based on location and the source of the drinking water.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The picture above shows the results of a backed up sewer system at a 45 year old home on a private sewer system. A blockage occurred in the line between the house and the septic tank, causing raw sewage to spill into the basement. This raw sewage then has the possibility of contaminating the water in the area surrounding the basement and thereby contaminating the well nearby. In this instance, the well was approximately 60 feet away, with the top of the well slightly up hill from the grade by the house. This would help reduce the likelihood of contamination from surface water. However, any below surface contaminated water could still enter the well, depending upon how the water naturally moves in the environment. Contacting the State agency that performs water testing to determine the proper well water testing frequency was recommended.
Research & Writing Assignment:
The article read for this essay was “Water Quality Testing for Home Inspectors”. Well water testing is important so the user can detect contamination before it becomes a long term problem. While the EPA has certain recommended testing intervals, State agencies have recommended intervals as well. These range from annually for bacteria; to 3-5 years for fluoride, hardness and sodium; to radon every 5-10 years.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This photo shows two pipes going out to an abandoned well. This appears to be a deep well as there are two pipes. The top pipe has a cap to allow priming. Even though this property now has public water this well could be used for irrigation, washing cars and so on but the well head has been cut off below grade and has not been located. The well casing may not be sealed which would allow contaminates into the aquifer.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Back-flow Preventers. Many public water suppliers require a back-flow preventer devise to be installed at the water meter to protect the public supply from contamination entering into public water supply. In the common action of fire fighting, it is common for the pressure in the main to drop with the fire hydrants being operated wide open. This action in the absence of a back-flow devise would allow water to flow backwards from the home or user into the public system with possible contaminates.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This well head was actually below the grade of the lawn. This condition encourages contaminants to enter the well and contaminate the well water. Ideally the well head should be raised or extended above the grade of the lawn. I recommend that the advice and services of a licensed plumber.
Research & Writing Assignment:
I read about central humidifiers and wall cavities used as supply and return ducts. I was reminded of the benefits of central humidifiers. They can help with easing cold and flu symptoms and making our skin less dry and itchy in the winter. Conversely, however, they need to be maintained to prevent mold and algae growth.
Wall and floor cavities being used as supply or return ducts is no longer allowed for several reasons. Primarily, the cavity can’t be adequately sealed and the result is outside air being drawn into the cavity. This can draw in moist moist or contaminated air into the cavity. These cavities also can’t be adequately insulated and as such become a waste of energy. For these reasons it is a poor construction practice to use wall and floor cavities as HVAC ducts.
Research & Writing Assignment:
According to Healthy Homes, Part 8: Rural Water Supplies and Water-Quality Issues Course, and the World Health Organization (WHO) water borne diseases cause the most deaths–up to 3.5 million–per year through diarrheal diseases like Cholera, typhoid fever and hepatitis A. The water is commonly fecal contaminated and people are infected with such bacteria by drinking, bathing and other body contact, e.g. through the eyes, ears, etc. See: https://www.voanews.com/a/a-13-2005-03-17-voa34-67381152/274768.html
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The well was observed below modern accepted safety standards, e.g. without a pump, head seal, protection from animals, etc. This condition is improper and poses risk to good health and sanitation. A qualified specialist, e.g. licensed environmental engineer, health official, and/or well drilling contractor is recommended for prompt attention, investigation and corrective repair as needed.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
While inspecting a well in a rural area, I only had access to the outdoor, above ground pump. It functioned as it should and I tested it by turning a faucet on and off. It ran when the pressure was low and kicked off when the pressure built up.
Research & Writing Assignment:
When inspecting private wells, you need to keep in mind that the EPA doesn’t regulate private wells, only recommend that they be tested once a year.Te consumer can buy online kits that test for water quality, however they are mostly test strips and are not reliable or EPA approved. It’s best to take samples to the local health department.