I’ve had an earful from a client saying “I cost them money”.
Water Pressure (observed flow rate) was okay for most of the sinks, faucets, etc. - then I ran the shower and the overall volume noticeably decreased at the sinks.
It’s on a well (Maryland) and I do not do well testing, flow rates, etc.
I did not test Washing machine or dishwasher as both had occupants belongings in there. I explained this to the client, but they are insisting that I said I could not test due to low pressure. I wouldn’t have said that because I do not think the dishwasher cares about pressure. FWIW the overall pressure (observed flow rate) was not that bad.
I indicated the Well Inspection may test flow rates. I documented exactly what I observed, and called it minor: the whole house filter may need to be changed.
Is there a way for a home inspector to quantify flow rate?
I know TX requires a PSI check at thee hose bib, but that is not the same. What I think is low flow may feel like perfectly normal to someone else.
Now their Well Test guy is swearing the HI is supposed to check flow rates, not him… and he’s “been doing this 30 years”. State of Maryland SOP’s are very similar to Internachi and do not require HI to “Determine…The quantity or quality of the water supply”
I agree with Jeff. That’s why I don’t like using the words minor or major. Or what type of repairs may be needed, unless I’m 100% sure. Just indicate what you find, in this case low water flow, and refer it out to a qualified professional to determine the cause and remedy.
I always do a flow test when doing a well inspection and report the lowest flow rate in GPM that I observed. That said, while inspecting the home itself, I only do functional tests like you did by running shower(s) and sink(s) at the same time. If I witness low flow, whether I am inspecting the well or not, even if it is on municipal water supply, I will take a video of the problem (which quantifies it in relatable terms) plus also see what the water pressure and flow is at a hose bibb using the device below (that also quantifies it on objective terms). If the house is on a well, then low or fluctuating flow could mean a simple problem with the pressure switch (easy to fix), but is most often a problem with the pressure tank (which often fail without the homeowner knowing and $1,500 minimum to replace) which is why it is always a highlighted issue in my report.
Bearing in mind that what the client says the heard from someone else is hearsay, a well company not flow testing a well as part of a well inspection is kinda half assed in my opinion. Maybe the client cheaped out with only doing water quality testing. “Minor” is a terrible qualifier in an inspection report. If I saw water pressure fluctuating or dropping as a second or third fixture was turned on I would not consider it minor, particularly on a well.
Plus saying the inspector should do it is total BS. In my area, well inspections are always referred out to well companies. I’ve never wanted the liability of providing that service and I never had fallback from the client.
I’ll chime in with the others. Calling it minor and stating that the filter needed to be changed was your mistake. My recommendation would be to stop labeling items as minor, or major, or anything else. Just state the issue and recommend repair by a professional. In this case, that repair recommendation would also include further evaluation, as the cause was not determined during the home inspection.
Texas also requires testing for functional flow by operating multiple fixtures and reporting deficiencies. I’m unclear as to how you “cost” them money. Did they claim you called for the wrong or unnecessary repairs or that you missed something.
IF there is low water pressure anywhere in the home (city, county or well supplied), we report it and recommend further evaluation OR repair by a competent plumbing contractor.
Water pressure and flow rate are two different things. The length, diameter and number of fittings will impact the flow rate along with restrictions at the faucet or shower head.
Water pressure and flow are completely different things. Did you at least check the water pressure? I always try to update a enhanced well inspection which I do a flow test for at least 300 gallons of water. And check all equipment for proper function. I also offer a basic well equipment Inspection. No flow test. So if they choose to not do it, then it’s on them.
If you do not offer well inspections, you should not accept any inspections that the house is on a well. Or explain to them they need to get the flow test done by another inspector or well contractor.
I don’t measure water pressure and flow rate can be different for every water fixture. I just note in the report that the water adequacy whatever fixture… Was minimal and I note if any other water fixtures were running or not. I try to make sure all other water fixtures are off. I take a photo of the inadequate water supply and makes the recommendation for it to be a valuated by a plumber to improve water adequacy.