Research & Writing Assignment:
One of the common items that I come across when inspecting plumbing systems is a loose toilet. Loose toilets are responsible for damage to sub floors and other building material and components. Usually, in the crawlspace the underside of the toilet waste line is visible and sub floor damage can easily be seen.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Grading and drainage
Poor grading and drainage is an issue that is necessary to be reported on as the continued moisture too close to the foundation can cause problems in the future more so than in the immediate and requires continued maintenance to prevent damage.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Grading and drainage
Poor grading and drainage is an issue that is necessary to be reported on as the continued moisture too close to the foundation can cause problems in the future more so than in the immediate and requires continued maintenance to prevent damage.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This is a photo of the plumbing components under the kitchen sink. There are two separate waste discharge lines exiting the cabinet, one for the sink and garbage disposal, and one for the dishwasher. Notice the dishwasher discharge line enters the cabinet from the bottom left rear of the cabinet (bottom left of photo) and is run vertically before dumping into the wastewater discharge plumbing. This “high loop” prevents the back flow of discharged grey water running back into the appliance. Also notice that there are 3 p-traps, one for the sink, disposal, and dishwasher respectively. These p-traps help keep noxious gases within the greater sewage disposal system from entering the occupied space of the dwelling.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
the picture that I selected is a dryer exhaust duct. a dryer exhaust duct is important because it exhaust all the lint and humidity outside your home. there are many guide lines to exhaust ducts because they are a fie hazard
Research & Writing Assignment:
The article I chose was three deadly mistakes a home owner should know. it explains the three things you should know before buying a house. the three mistakes are thinking you can afford it, not hiring a buyers agent to represent you, and getting a cheap inspection
Research & Writing Assignment:
“Sump Pump Operation and Inspection Guide”
Sump pumps are self-activated pumps typically located in basements or crawlspaces that remove excess water runoff or groundwater. The pump is installed within a sump pit or sump trench that should be at the lowest point in the garage or crawlspace, and it should be no less than 24 inches deep and 18 inches wide. A sump pump engages when water levels rise to a height sufficient to raise a float. They can be pedestal type, where the pump does not contact the water, submersible, where it does, and water-powered. They should be maintained annually, monitoring especially the screen meant to keep excess debris out of the discharge line. To test the pump, fill the sump pit with water to a level sufficient to raise the float.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The inspector notes that there is mold where the bathtub meets the wall or enclosure. The inspector recommends proper cleaning and upkeep to keep the mold under control. Certain types of mold can be harmful and present health problems. Recommend further evaluation by a mold inspector as other areas of the home appeared to be particularly moist as well.
Research & Writing Assignment:
The TPR (temperature, pressure, relief) valve is an important feature on a water heater. When a water heater overheats, or if the pressure becomes too great, this valve opens and the pressure is relieved. During an inspection it is important to observe any signs that this valve has been activated in the past. This could indicate the condition or adjustments on the appliance. Failure to address a faulty TPR valve can result in injury.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The image shows the inside of a residential hot water tank. There is the sacrificial rod, or anti-corrosion rod that is typically made of magnesium or aluminum and allows the chemical reaction from the fresh water to attack it rather than the tank. The image also shows a broken dip tube. When intact, the dip tube directs the incoming cold water to the bottom of the tank where it is heated and then rises to the top where it exits through the hot water outlet.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Backfloe preventers are necessary to prevent contaminated water from entering the potable water supply. It can occur from back pressure where the flow of water is reversed due to the downstream pressure being higher than the supply pressure. It can also occur due to back-siphonage where the flow is reversed by negative pressure in the supply piping.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
While inspecting the lavatory when I swiped my hand under the spout at the backwall of the lavatory it was wet. I looked under the spout and on the backwall and saw what appeared to be a grove in the porcelain of the backwall and a very small amount of water trickling down the grove. I turned on the cold faucet and observed the flow as I flushed the commode. Very little change in flow from the faucet. Cold faucet turned off OK. I repeated the process with the hot water, no loss in flow. When I turned off the hot water faucet the flow slowed gradually and required extra effort to try to stop the flow. I recommended that a qualified plumber look at the problem.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Inspecting bathrooms are areas that need to be closely inspected due to the number of areas there could be water leaks. Long time water leaks will usually show up under the floor area but may be hard to pinpoint may have to flow to an exit point. An example may be a commode that leaks on the outside of the wax seal but the outside of the commode bottom may have been caulked around.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Here is an example of an AAV or an Air Admittance Valve. It is used in rare cases plumbing can’t vent to the roofline. An AAV is a one-way negative pressure mechanical valve that allows air to enter the plumbing system. This AAV is free from defect and was in good working order at the time of the inspection.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The water heater for the property is installed in the garage adjacent to the HVAC unit. It’s fuel type is electric. It is lifted off the floor 3" - 4" with blocking material. No floor drain was observed in the area. The installation of water pan is recommended.
Research & Writing Assignment:
“Hot Water Recirculation Systems” is an article that presents an alternative to tankless water heaters. A hot water recirculation system is basically a pump installed at the water heater and a loop of pipes that circulates hot water to fixtures around the house. The system is computerized and can cycle hot water at preprogramed temperatures. This cuts down on water loss at taps around the house, providing hot water within seconds of use. The cost for retrofitting and new construction is not cheap but is significantly less expensive than tankless heaters. This alternative may be good for homes with large footprints.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The water heater located in the crawl space is not level due to the soil underneath it being washed away. Further erosion of the soil around the base of the water heater could cause the water heater to tip over. A grading contractor should be contacted to evaluate the grade and eliminate the water intrusion into the crawl space. A licensed plumbing contractor should be contacted to evaluate and inspect the connections and piping and to re-level the water heating unit.
Research & Writing Assignment:
During the inspection process for a water heater it is important to insure that the venting system being used in carefully inspected. The venting system, whether plastic or metal, a chimney or a metal flue, must carry the combustion gases outside of the home properly to insure that the living environment inside the home is safe. If the vent from the water heater combines with another vent, such as a furnace, the smaller of the vents must be on top.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
When inspecting a water heater Temperature Pressure Relief Valve (TRPV), verify that it is located within 6 inches from the top of the water heater, a approved drain line is connected of the same size as the outlet of the TPRV without reduction. And verify that if the drain line does not discharge in the same room as the appliance, within 6 inches above the floor or approved floor drain that it discharges to the exterior of the dwelling at a visible location.
Research & Writing Assignment:
While inspecting the bathroom plumbing system, turn two faucets on simultaneously to check for any water pressure loss at the fixtures. Also check any mechanical stoppers for proper function and performance. Also inspect the toilets, tubs, showers and any visible drains and supply pipes for leaks or corrosion.
