Inspection & Writing Assignment:
in this photograph, the tank is being opened with the inspectors face over the tank. This would not be a common practice or safe circumstance for the inspector. A more efficient and safe way of doing this would be to open the lid, stand back from the gases escaping the tank to allow the tank to exhaust all toxic gases and fumes.
Research & Writing Assignment:
There is a wide variety of attack stairs such as: wood and aluminum of various sizes and lengths depending on the ceiling. When inspecting, the installation is a vital part of the inspection because a good majority of the time, the stairs are put in with an inferior nails, screws and fasteners.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
A cleanout in the drain line running from the residence to the septic tank is an important part of the septic system. The cleanout can be used to access and remove blockage in the drain line. Cleanouts should be located and identified in the septic inspection report. Water standing the drain pipe observed from the open cleanout can indicate a potential problem with the septic system.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Septic System Inspections. Septic systems often have baffles that slow wastewater entry into the drain field. By slowing the wastewater entry and minimizing solids from entering the drain field, the baffles protect the absorptive quality of the soil and prolong the life of the septic system.
Inspectors should check baffles for solids covering the baffle, erosion from chemicals and water flow, and evidence of previous overflow.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Septic tank failure.
When first arriving at an inspection I noticed standing water in the yard next to home just past the driveway. The owner said it was runoff from previous rain. Started dye test and 30 minutes later driveway was puddling up with blue water. I hope the water test passes.
Research & Writing Assignment:
My article is Septic system inspections
I live in a rural part of Indiana so I inspect a lot of homes with septic systems. I remember growing up on a farm and being told that one area of the yard was not to be played in. It was downhill from our home and it had tall grass and a nasty odor. Only now do I realize that my parents septic system was failing. Either it was far enough from the house so not to be noticed or my parents, who grew up in town, didnt know any better. There was a creek next to that part of the yard also. No telling how much filth bled into that creek.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Septic tanks should not be covered by anything like a patio,building,shed,porch,driveway,walkway,decks,etc. In this photo the septic tank is covered by a deck. A big reason is of flooding, these tanks shouldn’t be within 50 feet of water, nor should they be within 10 feet of a building.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Sewer Scope Inspection. I recently worked for a company that did sewer scope inspections, i was so impressed with this, that i to will offering septic inspections. It really gives the client peace of mind to know that the system is in good working order or needs repair.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Enviro leach feild, I recently replaced my septic system that lasted 15 years. I went with a Eljen system because of how inexpensive they are and they can b installed in a small area. But you have to be careful of what you put down your drains, that will determine how long it will last. I installed a advanced Enviro system but again you have to be conscious of what goes dowm the drain. Antibacterial soaps and grease is the worst things you can introduce to your system. But who doesn’t use that? So it makes sense to have it pump every two to three years. For thr
Research & Writing Assignment:
I enjoyed the article on trampolines. Turns out there are over 200,000 trampoline injuries per year. I flip on trampolines a lot, and i agree with the ways they have listed to avoid injury. Some of which are, only having one person on at a time, not jumping on from high objects, and installing a net. I have so too many trampoline injuries or falls and all of these ways and more can prevent some of those injuries from happening.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The photo I uploaded is a full tank. This is obviously not necessarily caused by defect. The thing I stress when I’m at the end of any inspection is how to keep things from going wrong in the future. Simple maintenance is always cheaper than major repairs.
Research & Writing Assignment:
The biggest thing I have taken from this and several articles I’ve read, is the steps to locating the septic system. It is a clear waste of time to poke around when there are sources for finding out exactly where to dig.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
These are the access points for the septic system for a mountain home. There are two access points for an inspector to check. They are easily found and not buried in the ground like some other access ports. They are concrete lids and around the edges have some deterioration. It is hard to say if the deterioration is just from age or if the gases from the tank are contributing to the deterioration. Gases from the septic system have been know to cause concrete to deteriorate over time. It would be wise for the homeowner to have this septic system inspected.
Research & Writing Assignment:
I have noticed over the course of some inspections of decks that some decks are attached to a house without the use of a ledger board to secure the deck. This can be very dangerous as over time the deck will begin to pull away from the home which may cause the deck to collapse and possibly injure people on the deck.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This is a picture of a semi exposed septic tank, more specifically the treatment tank in the onsite septic system. The most visible component in the picture is the main access. The septic tank is currently undergoing a riser upgrade.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Ten simple steps to maintain your septic system:
Locate your septic tank and drainfield. Keep a drawing of these locations in your records.
Have your septic system inspected at least every three years. Keep other household items (non-biological waste products) out of your system. Use water efficiently. Plant only grass over and near your septic system. Roots from nearby trees or shrubs might clog and damage the system.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
I am writing in reference to inspecting a septic system. Sometimes the top of a septic tank is completely covered with dirt and a probe is required to find it. Fortunately this one is accessible. Note the scum is almost touching the lid. This septic tank is in need of pumping.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Maintenance tips for keeping your septic tank in good shape. Always have some way to mark the tank weather it be by two measurements or markers of some sort. Have your system checked once a year. Make any maintenance or repairs at this time. Refrain from any chemicals being used for treatment.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Exterior GFCI outlets should be in an enclosed outlet for exterior.Reset in beaker box. Suggest a qualified State licensed electrical contractor to evaluate and make necessary repairs. Suggest also replace outlets with more modern outlets to today’s electrical code standards.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Dryer vent and safety: Dryer vents should be inspected and cleaned annually. It should not have any kinks or crushed. Make sure connection is tight no restrictions that could cause lint build up and create a fire.
Exhaust ducts shall be constructed of minimum 0.016-inch-thick (0.4 mm) rigid metal ducts, having smooth interior surfaces, with joints running in the direction of air flow. Exhaust ducts shall not be connected with sheet-metal screws or fastening means which extend into the duct. Should also vent to the exterior NOT ATTIC OR CRAWLSPACE.
