Assignment #2
Tail piece and trap in kitchen. Drains with no restriction. No leaks detected. No defects or damage.
Article 1:
Backflow Prevention
In this article, the types of backflow and a few possible corrections and/or preventers are covered. Although not required to inspect, i just may get this certification added under my belt.
Article 2:
Dryer Vent Safety
This article points out some of the hazards of a clogged or blocked dryer vent. from types of duct and size to the lint that runs through them, this is something that we all should probably check every now and then. Not just in a home inspection…
Picture is from underneath a bathroom sink. You can clearly see shut off valves for the separate hot and cold water lines. Also, a properly installed p-trap is visible.
Plumbing inspection:
Main water shut off valve was inspected and is located in the front yard (North side of property). It appears to be in serviceable condition.
Electric water heater is located in the laundry room. TPR valve was inspected and the relief extension was satisfactory.
Kitchen and bathroom plumbing fixtures were inspected and found to be in serviceable condition. No visible signs of drainage blockage and/or leaks.
Toilets were inspected and appeared to be properly attached to the floors with proper function during flush and reservoir refill.
Waste and drain vents were observed exiting the roof. They appear to be in serviceable condition.
BATHROOM SINK -
shut off valves for the separate hot and cold water lines installed and tested
piping is the proper size, and a p-trap was installed
no leaks visible during inspection
Polybutylene for Inspectors:
Polybutylene (PB) is an inexpensive plastic manufactured between 1978 and mid-1995 for use as piping in home plumbing systems. In 1996, production was ceased because it was found that PB piping would fail when certain types of disinfectants would react causing small fractures that deepen over time and eventually work their way to the pipe’s exterior, allowing water to escape. Though there are no regulations that require the replacement of PB piping, it is highly recommended.
TPR Valves and Discharge Piping -
Temperature/pressure-relief or TPR valves are safety devices designed to automatically release water in the event that pressure or temperature in the water tank exceeds safe levels on heating applicances. TPR valves activate if either water temperature or pressure exceed safe levels.
These valves should be connected to a discharge pipe (drain line) that runs down the length of the water heater tank to a proper discharge location. The pipe should be constructed of an approved material, not be smaller than the diameter of the outlet of the valve it serves, discharge to a floor drain, to an indirect waste receptor, or to the outdoors, and discharge through a visible air gap in the same room as the water-heating appliance.
Notice the rust collecting on the top and water showing a currently leaking water connection atop the tank. Also, note the mechanical assist to the water heater exhaust.
The water heater pictured has the TPR valve located in the top 1/3 of the tank, which is required. However, the TPR plumbing line should extend to within 6" of the floor and is cut short. The TPR plumbing line should be extended so that it is within 6" of the floor.
The article Inspecting the Bathroom Fan reveals many of the common shortcomings in fan installation. (1) The fan is not sealed to the sheetrock with caulk or foam, allowing an air gap and heat bypass into the attic. (2) The ductwork may not be installed or will terminate inside the attic so that the fan exhausts directly into an attic or wall cavity, releasing hot moist air onto building products that will degrade and create a great site for microbial activity, water damage, and rot. (3) The ductwork will have too many bends or kinks, restricting the air flow and reducing the effective air flow to far less than the required 50 CFM. (4) The fan will not be enclosed in a rigid foam insulation box, allowing excess heat bypass into the attic. Some of these are easy to inspect from the attic side and should be checked in each inspection.
Ahhh, Plumbing ! 
Completion of section 17 and 18
Performed a visual only inspection of my homes plumbing system.
Home is serviced by public water and sewer. Water heater is a 50 gallon electric, No seismic bracing on water heater but not required in this location. No defects found at time of inspection.
Picture is of a typical bathroom sink plumbing installation. No defects noted.
Reading and writing assignment
Backflow prevention
by Nick Gromicko and Kenton Shepard
Backflow happens when contaminated water is drawn back into a potable water system. The use of backflow prevention devices minimizes this risk. There are many types of devices but the typical homeowner will most often encounter AVB (atmospheric vacuum breaker) types.
Bidets
by Nick Gromicko and Kenton Shepard
While bidets are more common in Europe and Asia they are growing in popularity in North America. Sooner or later a home inspector may come across one. Knowing how they function will enable you to provide your client with some knowledge on their operation. One should be especially aware of the safety precautions of such device.
The water heater in this house is a 30 gallon, 40,000 BTU Bradford White fueled by natural gas and is located in the garage. The water heater was installed in 1994 and is properly elevated, but there is no drain pan.
The picture provided was from an inspection on a commercial property. A visual only inspection was performed on the plumbing system. The sink was a wall porcelain sink with no visual damage. The trap below did not appear to have any defects. The trap cover was replaced after inspection.
this is a photo of the plumbing behind a pedestal sink in the bathroom. The inlet pipes are copper with compression fit shut off valves. The waste pipe from the sink is 1 1/4". I ran the faucet to check for adequate pressure and for leaks.
Toilet inspection: Most residential toilets are gravity feed consisting of a bowl and a tank. when inspecting a toilet one should flush the toilet and not on any deficiencies, ie. clogs ,poor flush. Note the size of tank volume which should be 1.6 gallon size. Check for any cracks and to see if it is secured to the waste flange.
My Garbage Disposal
