Research & Writing Assignment:
Closet bolts are usually made of brass because of its strength and corrosion resistance. they alone hold the closet flange to the floor or wall. the flange attaches the closet firmly to the structure to prevent the toilet from pulling away.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
These two exhaust pipes are not correctly joined. The smaller appliance should always either be at a 45 degree angle in an upside down “Y” configuration or above the larger appliance flue. This will lead to possible backdraft at the water heater and should be repaired by a licensed plumber.
Research & Writing Assignment:
All solid wood-burning fireplaces are allowed to have manual dampers. When dealing with gas fireplaces, they must be modified so as not to close during operation and allow carbon monoxide into the home. If the damper is allowed to be closed with a gas fireplace, this should be called out as a safety defect.
Research & Writing Assignment:
For my essay I chose tankless water heaters. Tank less water heaters are becoming more popular they are more efficient than traditional water heaters that keep a tank of hot water constantly this takes more energy. Tank less water heaters heat a single stream of water on demand so you never run out. Tank less water heaters will only become more popular with time.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
In the crawl space I found the sewer pipe that the fitting was cracked. It looked like it was due to no support brackets the length of the whole pipe and it cracked at the weakest point. I informed the customer that it should be repaired by a professional plumber.
Research & Writing Assignment:
The subject I read about today was on Deck Receptacles. There are many older houses in my area that do not meet the requirement that they should be install on the outside of the home. But at the same time there are many do it yourselves that are adding decks and the outlets are self closing but do not have while in use covers on them. I think it would be a nice up grade to the decks and a positive point on them once the customer understands.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Water heaters are to be inspected by the inspector. There should be a TPR valve present, but it should not be operated because it could cause damage to the system. It is recommended that the first 18" of piping from a TPR valve be copper.
Research & Writing Assignment:
It is important for piping to be properly supported to prevent bending, sagging, and ultimately, leaking in the plumbing system. It should be properly supported with hooks, straps, bands, braces and other designated supporting hardware. Bricks, blocks, and other unprofessional supporting materials shall not be used.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Here is a picture of an expansion tank on a house I was inspecting. Mind you this house was only a year and a half old. This tank looks as if it had rolled around in the back of the plumbers truck for some time. At a closer look it did have a small leak from the welded flange near the threads. Recommended replacement by plumbing contractor.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Private water wells on property we may inspect. When a client asks you as there inspector about how or what they can do to make sure the drinking water is safe to drink. First off I advise testing the water before the closing of escrow. And testing more then twice a year may be very justified if someone in your household has health problems, is pregnant or nursing or there is unexplained illnesses showing up in your family. There are so many signs to look for, Change in your water’s taste, odor, color or clarity. Talk to your local public health department or agricultural extension agent to find ways to keep your private water wells clean safe.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
When inspecting the plumbing of the home, it is important to document the materials used. The older homes have brass fittings and traps. These fitting become weak and corroded. When inspecting the P-Trap first check for any water under the sink, check for bubbling laminate paper on the bottom of the cupboard. Apparent signs of a leakage can be the indication of a wore out P-trap. Make sure to photograph and document everything.
Research & Writing Assignment:
When inspecting a toilet, it is important to notice the room around the toilet for manuvering around the bathroom. 22 inches of space to both sides of the toilet are required by code. Fluch the toilet to make sure it has appropriate water pressure, that it fills back up, aling with making sure the water turns off after refilling. Check for cracks, loose bolts, seats etc. Photograph and make an accurate report.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This is a photo of a TPR valve removed when replacing a leaking valve. You can see a large amount of hard water sediment that has collected and may have interfered with the correct and safe operation of the valve. This hard water sediment can keep the seat inside the valve from sitting properly and can cause the valve to leak. It could also stop the valve from opening fully and create a pressure hazard within the tank. It is important to note that if you are checking a TPR valve on a hot water tank that has not been well maintained, you could end up with a leaking valve when in normal operation, the sediment interferes with the closing of the valve.
Research & Writing Assignment:
House wrap is an integral part of the building envelope system. Proper installation adhering to manufacturer’s recommendations are important. Maintenance is also important. If the protective cement coating or parging on the foundation of a home has come off or grade has dropped to expose the building wrap, it is common to see that lawn edgers, use to remove high grass or weeds away from the homes foundation, have cut into the building wrap and has exposed the waterproofing layer. Holes or tears may allow moisture to penetrate the wrap, reducing the valuable characteristics that house wrap is intended to provide.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
In general, for one- and two-family residential dwellings, each dwelling is required to have at least one water closet (toilet), one lavatory (bath sink), one bathtub or shower, one kitchen sink, and one automatic clothes washer connection. For an apartment house, the standard is to have one automatic clothes washer connection per 20 dwelling units.
Research & Writing Assignment:
In general, for one- and two-family residential dwellings, each dwelling is required to have at least one water closet (toilet), one lavatory (bath sink), one bathtub or shower, one kitchen sink, and one automatic clothes washer connection. For an apartment house, the standard is to have one automatic clothes washer connection per 20 dwelling units.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
I inspected this P-Trap in the downstairs main bathroom. I had 1 main question about the position of this trap. Should the piece coming from the wall, been shorter to make it in the P shape? I noticed the fitting on the top was not securely fasten. I would recommend having a professional provide further evaluation.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Bathroom sink has very good water pressure. No leaks noticeable above or below at any of the waste joints or water connections. Stopper works as should and almost no noticeable water pressure loss when toilet is flushed and shower running.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Abrasive blasting for Mold remediation. Air blasting is a process used for cleaning different areas. In the Mold remediation process, sodium bicarbonate and dry ice is used. This process was brought to notoriety in May 1982 when the Statue of Liberty under went restoration with soda blasting. Baking-soda abrasive blasting effectively removes mold while minimizing damage to the underlying surface. This process allows for fast and efficient removal of mold.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Toilet inspections.
First, check for any cracks to the tank and bowl. If there are cracks then document it in the inspection.
Second, check for a firm connection between the tank and bowl. There should be no movement. And a tight connection of the toilet to the floor. Lean on the toilet bowl and look/feel for any movement.
Third, look for any leaks from the tank, bowl and water connections. Step around the foot of the toilet and feel for any soft spots in the floor. This could be a leak around the wax ring.
Fourth, flush the toilet. Does it flush as it should? Does it take too long to fill? Does it run continuously?
Fifth, check to see if the toilet is stamped for GPF 1.6G. All toilets since 1994 will have this info stamped on the bowl, inside the tank or under the tank lid.
An inspector should do this inspection to all toilets in the house.
