As part of the research assignment I chose the dedicated loop hot water recirculating system. The diagram outlines that a loop circuit from the Boiler to the kitchen sink, dishwasher and bathroom sink and back to the boiler keeps the hot water feed supply lines hot and reduces the time required before hot water is available at the circuits. The circuit would eliminate the wasting of water that would be required by leaving faucets open waiting for the hot water to arrive if no loop was present.
Submitted my paragraph previously, but had trouble uploading the picture, hopefully the picture can now be viewed.
This is my toilet. I nudged the toilet with my leg and it sits solid. There are no covers for the brass bolts holding the toilet in place. There are no leaks around toilet.
I chose to read 10 Easy Ways to Save Money & Energy in your home. It told me several different ways that I could make my house more efficient, such as repairing the weather stripping around my doors where I have noticed a gap. Also buying a tankless water heater would be more cost effective.
As I inspected this sink, I found it does not have a collar around the sink’s drain leading into the wall. The sink’s drain should have a collar. A collar will help with keeping bugs from coming into the home through the walls. A collar will also help keep drafts of cold air out. The hot and cold handles are correct. The flow of water from this sink is standard. No leaks were found at time of inspection.
The article on Polybutylene was very informative because I haven’t dealt with it yet. I know it can be confused for several other types of piping such as PEX, PVC, CPPVC, and Polyethylene. Polybutylene piping is known to break down, crack and leak. Many home owners have fallen victim to this pipping failing and flooding their home. It is recommended to replace this piping in your home. If you do not replace it, you run the risk of when it will fail and flood your home. Polybutylene is normally grey in color and stamped PB2110.
This is a photo of a single pedestal bathroom lavatory. The first thing I do when I inspect one of these I always check the trap first to make sure it is in good condition to try to avoid leaks from that point then I check for shut off at the supply. If everything looks good from the bottom then I turn on the water and check water pressure and also looking for leaks. Then I check the drain stop and make notes on the report about my findings.
I read the article about drier vent safety. This is an area that everyone one should do their homework on as this could save your client their entire house. The drier in many cases maybe the most dangerous appliances in the home because poor maintenance can cause the home to catch fire.
These windows are clearly showing that the seals have become defected and aren’t properly working. Condensation has built up in between the panes and covering 90% of the window. These windows are located near a large radiator that might have over time increased the speed of degradation of the seals. These windows are beyond repair and should be replaced.
I just read a very interesting article on “Cool Roofs”. I live in Florida were the sun and heat can be ruthless! I think that it is has been a long time coming for some action in this field. We as a society has fought with the issue of a hot attic in a different manner, mainly insulation. It seems that stopping the issue at the source should be a great idea. Cool roofs have a reflective action that is supposed to turn the heat around to were it came from so to speak. I don’t be leave that there is a huge market for these type of products yet , but I will be replacing my roof soon and will look into the subject more closely when the time comes! A cooler house using less energy sounds fantastic to me.
The furnace water heater combination. My question is why is the water from the water heater being passed through the furnace coil? Obviously to be heated up, but if the water heater is gas powered and heats the water up on its own why pass through the furnace coil? Im assuming the water tank is heating on its own. Any input will be appreciated.
articles of inspection essay:
back flow preventers are devices installed in a water system to prevent back pressure or siphonage from contaminating the potable water supply. back pressure can occur in a water line when pressure in the discharge side exceeds and overcomes the pressure in the supply side of the line. this can cause contaminates to enter the potable water source, making the water potentially unsafe for consumption.
Hot water is supplied by a 50 gallon, electric hot water heater located next to the bathroom. The connections appeared to be in satisfactory condition with no visible signs of leaks. The water temperature indicated on the gauge at the time of inspection was 90 degrees Fahrenheit. There is a temperature control valve located under the temperature gauge. An inlet water valve leading to the water heater and a pressure relief valve on the unit are both present. There is an electrical box containing a wire nut connection supplying electricity to the water heater. There is no expansion tank installed with this unit. Expansion tanks provide space for the water to expand as it is heated and assists in keeping water pressure in the normal pressure range while the water heater is operating. It is recommended that a specialized technician further inspect this unit in regards to the absence of an expansion tank.
In the article entitled “Your Water Heater’s Maintenance Timeline”, tips are given to keep water heaters working proficiently. To provide effective maintenance to the unit, the manual provided with the water heater should be referenced. If you are unable to locate the manual, a copy of it may be obtained by the manufacturer. Tips within the article recommend that the area around the water heater be free of clutter. Gas heaters have vents at the bottom that must be kept clear to aid in the heating element combustion. It is also recommended that the water in the heater be drained out periodically to remove sediment buildup. In addition, the temperature/ pressure relief valve should also be tested. These are just a few tips to keep a water heater functioning properly. For more advice, reference this article located within the General Inspection and Consumer Articles section of the InterNACHI library.
In the basementof this home is a natural gas water heater and an oil burning steamboiler. The water heater is equipped at&p valve but the discharge pipe terminates higher than 6” above the floor,there is no waste receptor pan, the draft diverter is not properly positionedover the water heater’s exhaust outlet and the venting is not quite 1:12. Theboiler is installed properly except there is secondary shut off to the oil pump.They are both installed in a space that is large enough not to be considered aconfined space. The oil tank is in an adjacent room and is installed properlybut shows signs of leakage.
Asbestos is abuilding material that was introduced in the early 1900’s as an alternative towood. It had several advantages over wood such WDO resistance, fire resistance,etc. It was used for about 60 years until it was identified as a respiratoryhazard once it deteriorates and becomes fragile. Asbestos was such a common buildingmaterial that an inspector will likely encounter it in the field. There are afew issues with the material that the inspector should note such a sitscondition, the condition of the fasteners, etc. The inspector should also know the health risks involved whenencountering asbestos.
As you can see in the photo, the drain of this antique stylebathtub is not connected. There isroughly a 4 inch air gap. We could alsonot confirm a waste trap. The tile andfloor in the general vicinity may also have issues. Recommend contracting a licensed andqualified plumber for further evaluation and repairs. Doc Watson’s Inspection Services-RogerWatson, WA State.
After reviewing plumbing terms, I thought it would beprudent to have a copy of this article. I have learned a few things after 15 years in the business. I also recommend having a copy of “CodeCheck”. Doc Watsons Inspection Services, Roger Watson, WA State
Starting course.
Hello, Frez Abson here.
my essay for the Residential Plumbing Overview for Inspectors Course.
P-traps
The P-trap in the image I took for this essay is located under a bathroom sink fixture. this particular image shows the the outlet end of the trap connected to a flexible hose/pipe that loops up then down into an elbow fitting that is attached to the drain waste pipe that carries the drain waste to the main waste pipe. The elbow is turned down, in effect causing the flex hose/pipe to curve under to connect to it creating another trap under the sink fixture. lavatory fixtures are not permitted to be double trapped and must maintain a trap weir size of no less than 2 inches and no more than 4 inches.
