Three Photos Every Inspector Should Include at the End of the Report
In this article that I read from the library it recommends taking three photos at the end of your inspection. Those three should be of the water meter taken a few seconds apart and slightly different angles. The reason for this is to confirm there are no undetected plumbing leaks in the home somewhere that were not visible during the inspection. Another reason for this is to also double check that as the home inspector you did not leave any of the fixtures running. If the meter does move you should recommend the home buyers hire a licensed plumber to check out the plumbing system.
I enjoyed this article, it will be useful in many aspects doing an inspection. It especially goes well with the hot water heaters section of the residential plumbing overview for inspection course.
I took an image of a Clothes washing machine supply lines. The hot water supply line to the washing machine has been bent and is not supply the proper flow with the defect in the line. A licensed professional should replace the line and the shut off to the hot water supply line.
I researched the article about backflow prevention. Backflow prevention is important to keep any contaminated water from entering into the potable water system. Backflow can happen in two different ways, either by back pressure or by back-siphonage.
Here is a picture of a water heater. The TPR valve is present and looks in good shape. However, as you can see in the photo, the discharge pipe is directed into a bucket. The location of the pipe in the bucket does not allow for a proper air gap therefore not preventing back flow or contamination. Also, the is no water leak catch pan present. A drain is only a couple feet from the pipe. The bucket should be removed and an approved pan should be installed.
This picture from under a kitchen sink on a recent inspection shows 2 P-traps when there should only be one because double trapping can create a vacuum which can drain the trap and allow sewer gas into the home.
I read the article on Septic System Inspections. I wanted to know at least what to look for during an inspection. I ended up learning more than I thought. The maintenance tips for the clients were very helpful as well. I learned to look for drainage on the ground which can be caused by an overload in the system. I definitely learned that a professional should inspect the system before a sale of the home. Great info
Preventers are of two main types: backflow preventers and vacuum breakers. Vacuum breakers use atmospheric pressure to prevent siphonage and are simple and reliable. Backflow preventers use mechanical means, are more complex and require periodic maintenance. Both serve to protect a potable water supply from contamination.
Attached is a photo of a Gas water heater that is located in an unconfined space. The TPR valve appears to be in good condition and is properly tagged. The venting, gas line and discharge pipe appear to be in good condition and the unit is strapped according to local code. Please note the absence of the required leak catch pan. Recommend having a licensed professional plumber perform needed corrections.
I chose to review the article concerning back-flow prevention. The prevention of backflow is crucial in keeping the potable water from becoming contaminated. Back-siphonage or back pressure could cause such an intrusion. A back flow preventer will prevent this from happening.
In the above photo, you can see under a kitchen sink. There is a garbage disposal, and you can clearly see the P-Trap, as well as the material the piping is made from. There is no escutcheon flange into the wall and no signs of leaks visible.
I chose to read an article from the library about “Hard Water.” Hard water is very common in my area of the country (Florida) and we also have a lot of homes running on wells. The best way to determine the hardness of water is to have it tested. There is not any convincing evidence that hard water causes adverse health effects in humans, according to the article. However, there are still disadvantages such as poor washing machine performance (hard to get soap suds), mineral rings and residue left in sinks, tubs, shower walls and dishes and clogging of pipes which reduces flow, over time. The issue can be alleviated with the use of water softeners and conditioners, which remove the unwanted minerals through ion-exchange.
Inspected Kitchen Sink
Faucets water pressure was good, run all water closet fixtures simultaneously Pressure help.
Used drain stops filling water a few inches in all sinks and tube, released all stops not drainage issues.
Picture show system components under the kitchen sink, high loop for dish washer and shut off valve were in place and no leakage was found in cabinet floor or any piping.
Noted that missing water stops on both hot and cold water supplies. Recommend all systems have water stops on all lines to each fixture.
Found the article on GFCI to be informative but didn’t answer a couple questions that I need qualification on.
Kitchens, baths and laundry rooms.
is one GFCI connected to the main outlet protect all non gfci down stream or are every outlet required to have a gfci outlet installed?
secondly, I heard that GFCI could be used to update non grounded outlets.
but by doing so the gfci will not trip manually .
can someone qualify?
My inspection of the Plumbing and drainage system of the Kitchen Sink revealed the follow results; the overall hot and cold water lines appeared to be free of any notable defects and showed signs of working properly. The garbage disposal appeared to be connected correctly and free of any notable defects. The only notable defect was observed on the right side sink drainage stack that showed signs of water leakage at the Inlet connection of the Tailpipe and Trap Adaptor fitting as noted in Photo labeled “Kitchen Sink 1”. Some water puddling was noticed on the cabinet base just under this drain stack supporting evidence of a current leak as also shown in Photo.
Article: Three Photos Every Inspector Should Include at the End of the Report
by Nick Gromicko and Kate Tarasenko
I found this article to be fascinating and one that is often overlooked. I discovered that it is not only a brilliant way of documenting that you were physically at the location but also that you did not leave any running water sources and to confirm no water leaks were missed. This simple step is not only a great tool for you to document your efforts to your client of a thorough inspection but can also be very handy as evidence in court if needed.
The water heater is a Bradford White 40 gallon model. It is rated at 40,000 btu/hr. The water heater has a temperature-pressure relief valve with a galvanized discharge pipe. The pipe has a threaded connection at the bottom, which is not permitted by current standards, so I recommend replacing the pipe with a ¾” pipe without threads at the base.
Plumbing essay: My researched article was on the subject of pull-down attic stairs. These stairs often have defects which compromise the safety of someone using them. Defects that are common to these staircases are installation where bottom chords are cut in truss roof systems, loose or missing hardware, improper fastening of the ladder frame to the opening, or the ladder was cut too long or too short. I have found an additional issue, where the spring had previously popped out of its restraint, which results in the linkage hyperextending when the ladder is extended down, so the hardware needs to be manually pulled forward so that the ladder can be returned to the ceiling. I recommend caution when encountering this condition.
The drains has a S trap in it, these are now prohibited and should be converted to a P trap. S traps tend to siphon water out and let potential sewer gas into the house with is a heath hazard. I world recommend a licensed plumber be called to fix it,
