Here is the top of a water heater. There is rust around the lines going in the top of the heater. This indicates a leak of some sort in the history of the heater. While no water seems present at the time of inspection, the rust warrants recommending a qualified plumber take a closer look.
The first thing I learned in venting dryers is that most dryers vent about one gallon of water per load. Thats fascinating. Secondly, sags and spirals in the duct can cause lint buildup, resulting in the dryer working harder and less efficiently. Buildup is also a potentially dangerous situation that could lead to a fire.
The number one item most homers over look is the dryer vent. Something simple to clean and check before the lowly home inspector shows up. The dryer vent is one of the potential hazards that could change your life quickly by catching fire from the heat of the dryer. It simply amazes me the configuration I find inspecting homes. One of the more dangerous ones was the individual used the wall as part of the duct work and there was probably Feet… not inches of lint built up in the wall. Very lucky this was found before the big fire.
Dryer Vent Safety
Dryer vent safety article was interesting, we can all learn by continuing to read. Was not aware that the use of ribbed dryer vents should be discontinued and 26 gauge smooth bore should be used. Probably one key point is to have the splices going with the flow of air. This will prevent the collection of lint in the joints.
This is a gas water heater. Sometimes these may be found inside of homes while doing home inspections. A key feature to note about water heaters are the presence of a TPR valve and that is has proper clearance in the case that water is released from the heater.
I chose an article on Aluminum wiring. It was seen strongly between 1965- 1973. The cost of copper was higher, service panels were installed with aluminum wiring. These panels should be addressed and fixed as soon as possible by a qualified electrician.
Water on floor of room with boiler at time of viewing which appeared to be coming from sump pit it the room. According to the property owner the sump pump had been accidentally turned off at switch at top of stairs to the basement. Recommend switch for sump pump(s) be relocated or covered so they are not accidentally turned off. Also recommend switch for sump pump(s) be labeled.
I read the article “Polybutylene for Inspectors” from the InterNACHI library. The article explains the issues associated with polybutylene (PB) piping manufactured between 1978 and mid-1995 and used as piping in home plumbing systems. The article explains how polybutylene fails, why it should be replaced, how to identify it, and what to do if it is identified during an inspection.
The attached photo is of a bathroom sink drain , supply lines and water valves. All drain components operated as intended with no visible leaks. The supply lines and water valves appeared to be installed correctly with hot on the left and cold on the right.
I researched the article adjustable steel columns. The article exxplains the the minimum size required, how they should be properly swcured/fastened and different types of defects associated such as not level, not painted, bent or damaged and over extended at the threads.
This photo is taken underneath a kitchen sink. The dishwasher disposal line is not properly installed. The line must have a high loop installed to prevent back flow into the unit. Recommend further evaluation by a professional. This will help alleviate dirty water from sitting in the bottom of the dishwasher.
I’m commenting and describing on the properly installed P trap off the gallery plumbing section. The tailpiece must not be longer than 24" to prevent siphonage, and liquid trap seal depth must be a least 2" to no more than 4".
Hall bathroom sink plumbing inspected. Ample hot water to test. 110 degrees. No visible leaks. Sink checked for functional drainage, drained appropriately.Hot water noted to be on left. No evidence of loose connections.Porcelain sink fixture observed. No cracks noted in sink.
This is an image of a TPR valve on a hot water heater. The TPR should be installed within 6" from the top of the hot water heater cylinder. It reliefs pressurized hot water when the pressure becomes too high in the component.The valve should have a pipe attached to it that stretches within 18" of the floor. The room containing the hot water heater needs a drain in the floor although the TPR valve pipe should not be directly attached to the drain.
This is a picture of the outlet from the kitchen sink that goes into the p trap. Where the sink attaches to the piping there is water leaking and it needs to be evaluated. As well as under the cabinet that this pipe is in. Due to heavy saturation over time there could possibly be bacterial growth under this cabinet and it will continue until the leak is properly fixed.
Abiding by InterNACHI standards builds a strong defense against claims. It is good business practice to incorporate. Incorporation limits your liability should a claim be filed. Training and education can help you in court. Never call yourself an expert in marketing. It has a specific legal meaning and could impact your case. Always contract your helpers. Avoid being retained by difficult clients. Always use inspection agreements. Take lots of pictures.
Credit Reports:
If you apply for a loan to buy a house, the lender is going to decide whether you are a good or poor credit risk based on your credit report. If the report says that you have a lot of debt, or you don’t pay your bills on time, the lender may adjust your interest rate accordingly or deny you the loan altogether.
I chose an article about Aluminum wiring in service panels. This was used during 1965-1973. This is caused by an increased cost in copper, so solid aluminum wiring was used. If seen in use today, notify the client promptly and look to have it replaced as soon as possible.
In this image there is a shut off valve that has clearly been leaking. The inspector is not requried to operate the valve because water could potentially start leaking worse and the inspector may not be able to get it stopped again. This valve is defective and should be annotated in the report.
Cold water supply and hot water output connections both show significant corrosion.
Internal corrosion is also evident from various rusty water stains running down the face of the unit.
Unit is not installed in or on a water catch pan, it sits directly on the floor.
Labels are in tact, including metal tag on TPR, but they appear worn. Overall visual condition indicates unit has been in service much longer than its advertised 5 year lifespan.
