The number of plumbing terms is quite lengthy! However, I really like this library articles summary of what I as a home inspector am primarily observing/notating:
The primary functions of the plumbing system within the house are as follows:
To bring an adequate and potable supply of hot and cold water to the users of the dwelling.
To drain all waste water and sewage discharged from these fixtures into the public sewer, or private disposal system.
It is, therefore, very important that the housing inspector familiarize himself fully with all elements of these systems so that he may recognize inadequacies of the structure’s plumbing as well as other code violations.
In bathrooms, toilet and sink fixtures should have water shut off valves to allow service of the device without disruption of the water to the rest of home. The toilet is connected to the water closet floor flange most commonly by brass flange anchors and connectors that are non-corrosive. Inspection of the toilet should include looking for issues such as cracks in the tank/bowl, loose connections at the floor, and evidence of active or past leaks.
Electric water heater noted. TPR valve is present and appears to be properly installed (device is not operated as part of the Home Inspection). A shut off valve was noted at the cold water supply. Earthquake straps are present.
Further investigation and appropriate repairs need to be conducted by a qualified technician. Observed issues include…Rust staining or corrosion noted around galvanized connections. Intermittent leaks may be present. TPR drain line is missing. A spill pan underneath the device is missing, and is recommended to be installed, as the device is located over a lower living area.
Several issues are noted at the water heater inspected (image below). Earthquake straps are missing. These should be installed in areas prone to seismic activity. Clear work space in front of the device is obstructed by stored items. A minimum of 30 inches should be provide to allow for regular inspection and any necessary service.
Research Essay…
Sinks require proper installation of a trap system. Only a “P” type trap is allowed, as other configurations may allow for siphoning. For sinks the diameter of drain and trap system should be at least 1-1/2 inches. The minimum water trap size should be at least 2 inches but not greater than 4 inches.
In my inspection of the main water supply shut off valve, i have galvanized steel piping from meter to the house. Which is located in front of house.
The main fuel shut off was (good).
Water heater was working great ( TPR valve ) is new and has drain pipe to the floor. Unit is gas and seismic bracing is in place. The only thing is i did’nt have the 24 inch around water tank as needed for any repairs.All vent is good and functional.
Interior water supply test were good , ran the kitchen and bathroom faucets and the flow was satisfactory with cold water, how ever hot water in the kitchen and bathroom sink have low flow pressure. The shower hot water is satisfactory.The toilets functional. All drains working.
Water supply is city.
Tank capacity is 40 gallons. MFG in 2009 / Kenmore
Water heater is a 40 gallon Kenmore.
Unit is gas supplied.
MFG is 2009.
TRP valve is functional. The drain pipe is functional.
Seismic bracing in place.
Unit is in a closet, however does not have 24 inch working space around tank.
Venting is functional.
Water tank is not 18 in. off the floor.
Over all the unit is in functional and still working good.
Moisture is a big issue if not vent directly outside. Dryers should use approved exhaust ducts only. Exhaust duct must be 4 inches in diameter and no more than 25 feet long. Duct should be secured and supported very 4 feet. The exhaust duct should terminate outside of building at least 3 feet from any building opening and fitted with a damp that closes. Clean of tint from dryer will help with keeping fire hazards.
The attached screenshot is of the pipe and shut-offs under a bathroom sink. The piping is PVC and it’s worth noting that the shut-off is starting to corrode.
The Visual Inspection of the Plumbing System was completed. This included the Main Supply Shutoff, the water heating system, as well as all the kitchen and bathroom components. There were no issues with any of these.
Most professions have their own terminology. For Engineers for example, their terminology allows them to work with the components unique to their field. Abutment, Amplitude, Force and other concepts are not in use nearly as much in general conversation, but are used everyday in the Engineering field.
The same applies in the world of Information Technology, the Legal and Medical professions. It enable the Practitioners of these professions to think and work with more precision in their chosen field.
For plumbing, this is no different. Common terms could mean very different things. For most people, Leader means someone like the President, for example. In plumbing, Leader means "An exterior drainage pipe for conveying storm water from roof or gutter drains to the building storm drain, combined building sewer or other means of disposal.
This photo is water supply and drain (standpipe) for a washing machine hookup. The home was built in the mid-fifties. Notice the tar based protection against the concrete. The pipes in this home were galvanized and rusted through in multiple locations. The water supply was poor due to years of build up in the system. The ID of the supply was averaging ¼”. The home has since been re-piped and functioning well.
I just read the library article on “back drafting”. I have seen may instances during weatherization inspections where a water heater and furnace are located in the same room that is far too small to contain both items.
A lot of these homes have been modified over the years and the people doing the renovations are not familiar with proper air flow to the gas units.
The solution that we used was to add a high air and a low air inlet into the room eliminating the back draft concern.
The article was a good summary of what back draft is and how dangerous it could be.
Read article on toilet inspections. Every toilet has to be inspected. Never operate the toilet shut off valve. Check to see if anchored to floor. Check for cracks. Make sure it doesn’t keep running after flushed no make sure it flushes adequately.
