Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Here we have a picture of a two chamber septic tank with the 2/3 split. The first 2/3 of the tank on the left is designed to catch most of the sludge and scum with a baffle. There is an opening in the midsection of the tank to allow effluent to pass to the last 1/3 of the tank where the remaining solids can fall to the bottom while the effluent can pass through the baffled outlet to the absorption area.
Research & Writing Assignment:
I read the article about the three photos every inspector should have at the end of their inspection report and it really is a ingenious way to show that you indeed did turn off all the water fixtures before leaving the home.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This a photo of a septic system on a new build home. This was a three chamber aerobic system. This system does not consist of a leach field but rather is attached to two sprinkler heads located in the back of the property. At the time of this inspection, that system was not yet operational and thus required a reinspection.
Research & Writing Assignment:
I read the article about septic system inspections. The part of the article that I would like to write about are the baffles. When inspecting a system an inspector should check for solids covering the baffle. If so, it would indicate overflow. One should also check for evidence of previous overflow as well as erosion from chemicals. The sewage level should be several inches below the baffle top. A lower level could indicate leakage while a higher level could indicate a blockage.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The rubber sealing gasket at the plumbing vent stack has deteriorated leave a gap between the flashing and the pipe. This will allow for water intrusion into the home. Recommend a reputable roofing contractor to evaluate and possibly make repairs.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Branch circuits double tapped on breakers is a fire and safety hazard. The lugs are not rated for two wires and by doing so one of the wires could possibly have a better contact than the other one. This could allow for overheating and possible fire.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
this is a waste water pond that has a large amount of brush that is making the lagoon/wastewater pond fail inspection because to be operating correctly the lagoon will need to have less than 6" of vegetation in order to operate correctly
Research & Writing Assignment:
so i believe internachi needs to come up with a class for wastewater ponds/lagoons this way when an inspector comes to a property that has a lagoon that will need to be inspected it can be done by the home inspector and have that education through here as we have the septic inspections
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The picture shows an area of a homes aerobic treatment unit spray field operating properly. A chlorinator was observed between the aerobic treatment unit outlet and pump tank inlet. The site contained 3 heads for the system. There were no signs of absorption issues in the spray field.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
For my assignment I choose a septic tank,i obseverved on the inlet the level was one inch below the baffle ,and on the outlet I obseverved the level was on the at the bottom of the outlet line ,leading me to believe that there was no back up going into the field and no cracks in the tank
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This picture was taken and pointed out to a friend that there was no GFCI outlet receptacles in the kitchen. I then recommended that GFCI receptacles should be installed in basements, crawlspaces, garages, the homes exterior and any interior receptacles within 6’ of any plumbing fixtures to avoid potential electric shock or electrocution hazards.
Research & Writing Assignment:
for my assignment I choose septic systems ,as an inspector I believe it is my job to educate the homeowner about their system ,by making a detailed map of locations and components of the system including lines ,tank and other components ,and to inform and educate them of things like to have system inspected every year or when the tank should be pumped .As well as helping to ensure the system will last longer it will be good customer service ensuring repeat inspections
Research & Writing Assignment:
Having inspected several homes that smelled like tobacco smoke as soon as you entered, also knowing smoke particles can penetrate any part of the home. Some common absorbing materials can be found right in your kitchen cabinets such as vinegar, citrus, baking soda, and coffee grounds. Smoke removal strategies can range from wiping the entire house down with ammonia, cleaning all drapes/blinds, wipe light bulbs down, changing filters, and to removing carpet.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Having inspected several homes that smelled like tobacco smoke as soon as you entered, also knowing smoke particles can penetrate any part of the home. Some common absorbing materials can be found right in your kitchen cabinets such as vinegar, citrus, baking soda, and coffee grounds. Smoke removal strategies can range from wiping the entire house down with ammonia, cleaning all drapes/blinds, wipe light bulbs down, changing filters, and to removing carpet.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This is an image of an inlet baffle. The baffle is made of plastic. It appears to be in like-new condition and no deterioration is observed. The functionality of the baffle is is to allow wastewater from the home to enter the tank in a way that will not disturb the settling of the solids and the liquids. It is crucial to ensure that the baffle is unclogged and in a satisfactory condition or the wastewater from the home may back up into a fixture in the dwelling.
Research & Writing Assignment:
There are types of smoke detectors, Ionization and Photoelectric. Some smoke detectors utilize both types of sensors, and are known as dual sensor smoke detectors. Smoke detectors can be both hard wired or battery operated, though hard wired is preferred because the power source cannot become drained. An inspector should check with there local building codes to determine the areas in the home that are required to have a smoke detector. Smoke detectors should be tested monthly, and battery operated models should have the battery’s replaced twice a year. Having an adequate amount of functioning smoke detectors in a home is vital for protecting the people living in the home from fire’s.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Safety Glass for Inspectors
Safety glass is stronger and safer than ordinary glass for use in locations where human breakage is likely. Types of safety glass include laminated and tempered. Laminated glass is produced by bonding a resin or plastic film between multiple layers of glass. The glass is held in place by the resin or plastic film when damaged. Tempered glass is produced by heating the glass to a high temperature then cooling rapidly. The glass breaks into small, rounded pieces when damaged. The IRC section R308 specifies glass construction applications where safety glass use is required. Tempered glass that can be identified by a permanent identifying label. Laminate glass is labeled as well, although it is not always require by codes. Glass type can also be identified using visual methods, but when in doubt assume it is not safety glass.
Article link: https://www.nachi.org/safety-glass-for-inspectors.htm
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
On the day of the inspection County records were obtained from the buyer. After surveying the property, it was determined a handicap ramp and deck had been installed over the tank obstructing the tank lids.
Also observed several large trees where with in the leach field itself. There were not any records of schedule maintenance. It was decided to have a evaluation of the septic system by qualified septic company to be in the best interest have the client
Research & Writing Assignment:
I have leaned from taking this course how to measure proper levels of sludge, clear water and scum in the septic tank which will help to determine if a further evaluation of the system is needed, and to observe such conditions such as large trees and water drainage issues associated for proper working leach field .
