Residential Plumbing Overview for Inspectors Course

Research & Writing Assignment:

The TPRV is likely the most common defect found in the plumbing portion of the home inspection. such a simple task, adding the proper extension would solve approx 90% of the defects i see in regards to thr TPRV. Yes

Inspection & Writing Assignment:

P trap under kitchen sink has previously repaired for leaking, recommend monitoring. The p trap appears to be properly intalled at the time of inpection. There is a shut off valve as required, turning shut off valves are not within the scope of inspection.

Research & Writing Assignment:

“Back Flow Prevention” by Mr. Nick Gromicko and Mr. Kenton Shepard:
They defined the back flow as: “back flow is the reversal of the normal and intended direction of water flow in a water system.” This is a health hazard because it will contaminate the potable water supply of a residence. Two things can happen that will cause this: back pressure and back siphon-age. Back pressure occurs when the downstream pressure becomes greater than the water coming into the house which leads to back siphon-age by creating a water vacuum,for example with a lawn irrigation systems. to prevent this you must install a atmosphere vacuum breaker which will allow air in the water line resulting in breaking any vacuums,and protecting your fresh water supply.

Inspection & Writing Assignment:

I did this inspection on a water heater. This was a natural gas fueled water heater. The TPR valve was in place and not leaking but it did not have a down pipe connected. I also noted it had all its safety labels in place. But since it was located in a basement garage, I noted that it was not installed 18 above the floor. The vent was also securely attached.

Research & Writing Assignment:

I read the article on aluminum wiring. Aluminum branch circuit wiring was primarily installed between 1965-73. It can be a fire hazard in the home and could be a problem for the owner when trying the get the house insured. The biggest problem with it is at the connection points like at plugs and switches which can cause it to overheat.

Research & Writing Assignment:

Stairway safety is a major concern. Especially with children. The space under the ballasters should not be greater than a 6" sphere so that a child my not slip through and fall. The spacing between the ballasters should not be greater than 4 3/8" sphere.

Inspection & Writing Assignment:

Inspected was a 40 gallon, liquid propane gas fueled, A.O. Smith branded water heater, manufactured in 1991. It was performing satisfactorily at the time of this inspection. It should be noted that there was some corrosion formed at the top of the water heater located on the head of the sacrificial anode/or anti-corrosion rod. The rod serves to interact with the corrosives in the water to prevent damage to the tank. While it is not a failure of the tank, it is an indicator of the age of the unit and the level of corrosion taking place with the rod. It is recommended that the condition be assessed by a certified professional.

Research & Writing Assignment:

I chose the article “Grinder Pumps” by Nick Gromicko for my essay.
Grinder pumps can be added to an existing sewer system to facilitate the movement of sewage and it’s affluent from a location lower than the main sewer line exit from a structure to the city sewer or a septic system. The unit grinds the sewage into a slurry before pumping it. Therefore, nothing should be put into the system that would impede this process.

Inspection & Writing Assignment:

Roofing pipe vent boot shows signs of corrosion at the downslope side. This corrosion can lead to water intrusion within the home. Typical cause is a manufactures defect at the galvanizing process creating a thin coverage to protect the metal. Recommend replacement of boot by licensed roofing contractor.

Research & Writing Assignment:

I have used the articles on the InterNACHI site several times to help support my own website blog and in reports to show how a system is to be used for homeowners. These have been highly helpful to my business over the opening few years in the profession.

Inspection & Writing Assignment:

This is a wall-mounted lavatory in a bathroom with a P trap of at least 1 1/4 inches. After running water, the waste leaves via the drain. Afterwards, the last of the water becomes trapped in the dip of the pipe, forming a **** off between the waste water and indoor air.

Hi im Matthew

Research & Writing Assignment:

I viewed a picture in the gallery of a cutaway of a kitchen sink with a garbage disposal. It shows how the disposal is connected to no the the waste water outlets and has a water inlet for helping to dispose the solid waste.

Inspection & Writing Assignment:

This is a picture of a clothes washer drain line and supply pipes. The trap in the picture is called a P-Trap. The water in the trap prevents gases from entering into the home. The water in the trap is typically around two inches deep so that it doesnt dry up. This trap was installed correctly.

Research & Writing Assignment:

I read an article about polybutelne piping. This type of piping was made between 1978-1995. This type of piping is typically grey in color. It can also be identified by the labeling of “PB2110” on the pipe. If this type of pipi g is found during a home inspe tion it is recommended to be replaced.

Inspection & Writing Assignment:

This electric water heater located in the garage of the home with a laundry sink to the left side and clothes washer to it’s right. The brand is Rheem . hot and cold shut off valves function normally. It has the TPR valve installed ,and the energy guide sticker is still legible kind of a tight space but is serviceable. Also a working hose Bibb connection at bottom for draining and flushing.

Research & Writing Assignment:

Pull down attic stairs, should be installed to the manufactures specs and use all fasteners provided or prescribed.No one should never cut or modify a rafter or (truss) without a certified engineers approval.These stairs may look like a lot of fun to a child but one should never play on or around them when they are down.

Inspection & Writing Assignment:

A water heater should have a temperature pressure relief (TPR) valve, and a pipe to direct the water to the ground. The pipe should terminate at least 6 inches from ground. The pipe should not have threads so as to not be sealed.

Inspection & Writing Assignment:

The attached photo i of the trap under the bathroom sink. The trap is first identified s a ‘P’ trap and then examined for any leaks or deficiencies. The bucket under the trap, should give the inspector cause for concern and perhaps make the inspector spend a little extra time to confirm that no deficiencies exist

Research & Writing Assignment:

The article I have chosen to write about is “Boost your inspection business with truck signage”. The article focuses on the do’s and don’t of truck signage.
First the Do’s:

  1. Do make sure your vehicle is clean
  2. Check that the magnetic signage is secure every day
  3. Be a courteous and careful driver. Your name is on the truck remember

Don’t:
1.Use the vehicle to promote personal expressions that evoke politics, religion or humor.
2. Forget to keep the vehicle clean