I missed it in the field! (I see the missing discharge pipe.) The house was built in 1972 and the water heater was manufactured in 2011 according to the serial number. Past when poly was manufactured and “banned”, but still…
Yes, that’s poly.
And it was never “banned”.
5 Likes
Did you take a picture of the writing on the pipe? Did it say PB-2110?
4 Likes
I would say yes, it certainly looks like PB from here.
Here’s some information Jim. Keep in mid that the PB could have been installed at anytime, even after it’s known problems. what years was polybutylene pipe installed - Google Search
4 Likes
What? My cousin told me they’d put you in jail for that. 
No, I’m a stupid idiot and completely missed it.
Did I not just advise you about that a few days ago? 
1 Like
2 Likes
So, who’s your cousin? Vinny?
1 Like
Just slow down a bit.
5 Likes
I had that stuff in my house when I moved in, can’t see the text on the pipe, but looking at the crack at the HW connection and the rust at the crimp rings, I’d go 10-1 that it’s PB. Hot usually leaks/corrodes first and someone sharkbited what was probably a failed joint…IMHO…
2 Likes
Wow. You guys have amazing eyes. I did see the sharkbite and thought the same thing. Kind of a blessing in disguise I missed it in the field - now I will be always be vigilant for it and look.
1 Like
I’m assuming you made note of the open air electrical connection as well 
@bcawhern1 Brian Cawhern threw some wisdom my way in an awesome humbling conversation. Based on his suggestion I went back out to the property - an hour drive one way.
Did confirm PB. Along with a few other things he said basically “based on this, if you look here I’ll bet you’ll find this” - sure enough just like a pirate treasure map there it was.
I don’t know where I’d be as an inspector without the help of the more experienced guys and it’s great for the industry as a whole. 2 hours of windshield time was not how I had planned to spend my day but it was definitely more than worth it. Got to take the dogs along in the truck too so at least there was that.
13 Likes
Do you deliver your report on site or do you review it at home first?
Especially when your newer. Take pictures of everything. Point to a problem take a picture then take a far away pic of the area. Make it so that you can re inspect the home from pictures alone. Than go over everything at home and do what research you need to do. Don’t rush.
6 Likes
Agreed!
And take pictures of things that are not a problem also. That’s the hardest for me to remember…
Also consider getting a bodycam, which can fill in the context between pictures (the video is generally not high enough quality for much else).
1 Like
Kudos to Brian. This biz is humbling. Kinda funny, but offering advice is a reminder for recognizing what is important. It’s hard to be perfect on every inspection of every day of every week of every year. Maybe there is some inspector who has never missed a single defect or potential problem in a lengthy career, but I’ll wager that there ain’t many.
Yesterday, I had to pause and do a reset. About 20 minutes into an inspection, I realized that I was distracted by some personal issues that had nothing to do with the job. Outside next to some rotted window trim that I had already walked by without seeing, I stood there like a stump while I did a mental reboot and focus.
Another thing, it is easy to get in a rut, particularly when inspecting cookie cutter homes day after day, which is common around here. I’ve had times when the report I wrote on Monday could be used for every house I inspected the rest of the week. Just change the address and photos. For me, that can sometimes make everything blurry as I slip into cruise mode. Memo to self, avoid cruise mode.
And one more, it takes experience to get really good at this. Hands-on schools like InterNACHI’s, can help fast start this education, but there are so many variables and nuances that ultimately, it takes experience with lots of inspections to being good.
This forum, in my not-so-humble opinion, is a great source of information and guidance. I offer my two-cents frequently here, but I have gotten a hundred dollars’ worth of advice and knowledge from the other contributors here.
7 Likes
Well said Lon. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Also I wish I had enough business that the jobs blurred together. Haha. That’s a nice problem to have. I’m sure it was hard earned.
1 Like
You’ll get there. You have the desire and, more importantly, the attitude to make it happen.
6 Likes
I still do that on every inspection. And that process has served me well.
1 Like
Oops, sorry… wrong newbie…
1 Like