Research & Writing Assignment:
In the back flow prevention article it gives the two main reasons of why back flow occurs. the first back pressure usually occurs from down stream pressure being higher than the supply pressure. And the other being back siphonage caused by negative in supply piping.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This is a working electric water heater . It is in a residentially home inside of a closet . It meets required clearance measurements .It has its certification and has been installed properly . No leakage noted . It has all valves needed for code .The TPR valve , drain valve and shut off valve are in good condition . It has a steel pan and it is clear . The vent is clean and clear . The water heater is up to code and working condition.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Previous leak at Whirlpool tub: In this photo, we can see that the whirlpool tub had previously leaked and is visible In the crawlspace on the joists and the insulation hanging down. None of the wood was rotted out or damaged because the home owner caught it in time.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Beam/Floor truss types: There are several structural members to choose from when it comes to beams and floor trusses. Just to name a few are LVL (Laminated veneer lumber), Solid wood, parallel strand, wood “I” joists or also known as “TJI’s”, metal trusses and wood trusses.
Research & Writing Assignment:
In the article 10 easy ways to save money and energy in your home I learned there are many different ways to save money and energy . Ceiling fans and programmable thermostats help bring energy use down . Tankless Easter heaters and incondescent lights also use less energy . The most cost effective way to save energy loss is proper dealing and insulating . Air leakage can even go through the plug outlets. Even the eat you cook or do your laundry affects energy use .
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The attached picture is of the hot and cold water distribution header to the non-kitchen end of my house. The header services one out side hose bib, three full bathrooms, one half bathroom, and one washing machine. The piping is type L with sweat welded copper fittings. The system was installed approximately 28 years ago so I am fairly sure the solder used was lead free or low lead. There are also a few compression type fitting used when repairs have been made to replace pipe sections with pinhole leaks. The header and main distribution piping is 3/4" which branches of to 1/2" to fixture stop valves then to 3/8 copper or plastic connectors.
Question: Is there an easy way to tell if the solder used for sweat-welded fittings has a high lead content - buy looking at the fitting ?
Research & Writing Assignment:
For this assignment I read the article on barn inspection in the commercial library.
Some of the main points are as follows:
*consider the climate where barn is located - snow loading-long structural spans, etc.
*be sure to wear PPE for barn inspections - some dangers can be ammonia from animal waste, dust from hay, exposed electrical,etc
*there was a fairly extensive list of item to check i.e:
kick damage from live stock
non-GFI protected electrical circuits
over use of extension cords
fire hazards such as exposed wires, in-proper storage of flammable materials, hay or other storage to close to lights, proper light fixture covers, lack of lighting protection system, no fire extinguishers,excessive brush or high grass next to barn walls, excessive cobwebs, etc
I am in New Engl and a ways from the coast so the snow loading is substantial. You see a lot of barns leaning because of inadequate bracing, large dips in the ridge line, damaged roofs, etc.
All of this would be would be detailed in a report - I presume
Comments welcome
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
An expansion tank is always highly recommended if you have a closed-loop system caused by any kind of check valve or pressure regulating valve installed on your houses water supply line. If pressure coming into your house is over 80 psi the tank will not correct that. That will be corrected by the pressure reducing valve. The expansion tank protects against a constant fluctuation in your system because by thermal expansion on a closed loop system once a check valve is installed.
If you have 2 water heaters you will need one for each heater or a larger tank for both.
Sometimes they are required by city code regardless of where you live to pass inspection. They should be pre-charged
At 40 PSI. Have a working pressure of no more than 80 PSI. Be able to withstand pressure of 150 PSI and temp. Up to
200 deg.
Expansion tanks should be supported so as not to have the plumbing lines carry their weight. There cant be any
Shutoff valves between the tank and the water heater.
A way to test the tank is bleed a little air out of the Schrader valve on the top. If air comes out, then the rubber bladder is still intact. If water comes out, then it has been ruptured.
Also tap alternately on the top and bottom of the tank with a metallic object, there should be a distinct difference in the sounds produced. Where the air is, there should be more of a hollow ring instead of aclank. If there is no difference in sound, you might have a compromised expansion tank.
Look for leaks around fittings, rust, or blisters under the paint. Life expectancy is unpredictable but it is suggested they be replaced at least every 6 years even though they can last longer.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Tips for buying a gas water heater.
Go with the smaller tank. In 2015 the regulations for efficiency changed and they recover quicker. You can save yourself money by not heating up extra water.
Go with a brass sillcock instead of a plastic sillcock on the drain. The plastic ones are inferior.
Go with the better warranty, if they offer it then you usually get a better anode (sacrificial rod).
Have the plumber install an extra anode rod (kit). This will get you 4 more years warranty out of the heater.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The plumbing under this sink is of pvc pipe. After running water, there are no leaks. As seen in photo, the connectors do come apart for cleanout, and it does have a proper P-trap. There is a shut-off valve for both hot and cold water.
Research & Writing Assignment:
After viewing the image Sediment Trap, I observed the proper installation of a gas fueled hot water heater. The sediment trap is downstream of the gas with a cap for clean-out. The TPR Valve is properly installed. There is a draft hood, and a coldwater shut off valve properly installed above the tank.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
I have taken a picture of lavatory and it is working properly, the screws are in fine condition and doesnt allow the lavatory to move from its place, pump is in good condition and also the trap, there is more than 15 inches space from between the lavatory towards sideways.
Research & Writing Assignment:
while i was inspecting a garage i opened my eyes to look at any cracks in the walls, ceiling and floor. i checked thoroughly the trusses and the points at which they were connected with the walls. I also checked the condition of screws and plates.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The main water supply shut off is correctly located on the outside of the building. It is also on the upside of the water meter correctly. The outlet pipe from fixtures in the dwelling has a 90 degree bend so note the inspection cleanout which also has a square fitting for the opening tool and there is also enough access in and around it.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Inspectors should continually complete various courses for good reason. I) it makes you a better inspector knowing as well what the standards are for an inspector. 2) Because of continuing changes in the industry current knowledge makes an inspector more knowledgeable 3)It also protects the person recommending your services and a good chance you will not be disqualified as an expert witness in a court of law.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This standpipe is attached by just a cord on the clothes washer. The discharge projects out into a drain. The homeowner should get a washbasin for the standpipe. The reason being because the hose is supposed to discharge into a standpipe or laundry tub.
Research & Writing Assignment:
A necessary component in a home is the sump pump. Making sure that the sump pump is installed correctly and the lid is adjusted properly not only helps the homeowner with pathogens and air quality but also helps the structure of the house. If a lid is not closed properly the moisture in the sump pump can go into the air and cause mold in a basement or crawlspace.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
I uploaded a picture of a TPR valve. It is the inspectors job to make sure the hot water heater in the home has a TPR valve. The tank is in danger of exploding if there is not a TPR valve. It needs to be located in the top 6 inches of the tank where the hot water will be.
Research & Writing Assignment:
I read an article on tankless hot water heaters. They are fairly new but gaining a lot of popularity. They are energy efficient and don’t continuously heat water like a normal water heater tank. Tankless heaters heat water on demand. I hot water faucet needs to be turned on in order to turn on the tankless heater. They have an electric heating element or a gas fired burner
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This image clearly shows the usage of accordion piping being used as a drain pipe which is against code and build up at the folds can occur, preventing proper water flow. It is also pretty apparent that the drain connection coming from the right has a positive slope which greatly reduces the efficiency of draining. The drain flange connection seems to have a current/past leak that has caused rusting. The flexible dishwasher drain line is taped to the main drain rather than using a proper plug for the hole and addition to that, the drain line doesn’t have a proper 32 inch drain loop.
