Inspection & Writing Assignment:
In this photo you can see that there is a cover missing over the burner to the hot water heater. This is deemed to be a safety risk and shall be corrected properly. This unit was also located in a confined space with no high and low air flow vent installed.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Temporary relief valves should never run up hill, according to the article. Although I understand this we also have a state specific code that allows uphill relief valves only if there is a small ball or gate valve installed at it the lowest point.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
While in crawlspace, I noticed the kitchen sink drain pipe had dislodged at the 90 degree elbow. It appeared not to have pipe cement and had a duct lying on the distal end (which probably contributed to it dislodging). I recommended the client have the pipe evaluated and repaired by qualified plumber.
Research & Writing Assignment:
I studied the picture on dedicated loop hot water recirculation system. Although I have not come across very many of these, it is helpful to remember that these exist so I can best analyze and evaluate what I am inspecting. I should not assume that just because I find a hot water line it is headed to a dead end plumbing fixture. It could be on the recirculation back to the water heater.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
During inspection of the tankless water heater it was noted that the discharge pipe from the TPR valve, servicing the tankless water heater, met material, and air gap requirements. However, it was also noted that the TPR valve had indications of possible past and/or present leakage. These indications include corrosion where the TRR valve threads into the discharge pipe, discoloration on the discharge pipe and a catch pan below the discharge pipe. Further evaluation of the TPR valve is recommended by a qualified technician.
Also, tankless water heaters should be serviced yearly to prevent internal scaling caused by calcium carbonated deposits found in the water supply, and no such service record was found during the time of inspection.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The water heater is located in the basement laundry/utility room. The water heater is a tankless, natural gas water heater. Combustion air and exhaust vent directly through a single concentric connection. There is a TPR valve present, but there is not discharge pipe. A discharge pipe needs to be installed and cannot terminate more than six inches above the floor. There is a gas shut off and is correctly located upstream of the drip leg.
Research & Writing Assignment:
I read the article on "plumbing water heater TPR valves. In that article it reminds inspectors that during an inspection we should never test the TPR valve ourselves. We should inform the client that they should have an annual preventive maintenance inspection done on servicing the water heating system by a professional plumber. The purpose of the TPR is a safety device for the water heater that will automatically release water if the pressure or temperature in the tank exceeds safe levels usually above 200 degrees Fahrenheit or pressure above
150 psi.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This photo shows the deficiencies with this water heater installation. the water heater was installed inside the house structure and lacked the drip pan underneath, and the diameter of the discharge pipe was smaller than the outlet of the pressure relief valve.
Research & Writing Assignment:
For this research writing assignment, I read “Water Heater Expansion Tanks.” I have seen expansion tanks in homes before, but I never really stopped to think about their function/purpose before taking these classes and reading some articles. The purpose of expansion tanks are to accommodate the various changes in the volume of a buildings hot water supply system. Expanding water in a building’s supply system can be dangerous. When an expansion tank is present, the expanding water will be forced into the tank to prevent water pressure from getting too high in the water heater. Even though this will help with the expansion of water, each and every water heater must have a TPR valve. Expansion tanks are not required in every jurisdiction, but they are a can be crucial to a safe water heating system.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This hot water tank has several issues, and is nearing the end of its designed life expectancy. Expansion tank needs to be installed, proper seismic strapping, unstable blocks used as a riser, valve conduit doesn’t extend to within 18"of the floor. All issues combined lead me to recommend this unit be replaced by a professional plumbing contractor.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Benefits of installing a sump pump in lower levels. often floors below grade or with a high water table will require A water management system. designed system including a sump pump is the most effective, low maintenance way to transform your existing wet area into a proper living space.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
At the time of the inspection the main water shut off valve was inoperable. This condition should be reviewed by a licensed plumber and corrected or replaced as needed. The valve is located at the front right side of the structure.
Research & Writing Assignment:
There are several things you should look for when inspecting a septic system. One is to find the date that the storage tank was last pumped out. Another is to locate the drainfield and its proximity to the fresh water supply.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
I inspected a condo unit that had a water heater in a utility room. I found the TPR valve installed to provide a horizontal discharge into a horizontal pipe that bent around the front of the unit, and then, after a 90 degree elbow, dropped into a discharge point aomewhere through the floor below. This was obviously written up as a defect, and a situation to be remedied ASAP.
Research & Writing Assignment:
I did a pre-sale inspection for a lady who told me that her forced warm air furnace was relatively new. When I inspected it, I found that her memory was faulty, and that while the exterior of the unit was in relatively good shape, the serial number indicated a manufacture date of 2001. The interior, when opened, showed signs of active water penetration and rust. I recommended that she call a licensed HVAC technician to further examine and repair the unit.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This is a picture of the water closet in the master bath of the inspected home. The toilet is centered in a 40 inch opening. It has 1/2 inch cold water supply line with shutoff valve. The brass connectors where in good condition, taught and caps in place. The was no moisture present on any connections or the hardwood floor. The tub was drained simaltinally with the water closet being flushed. In conclusion this water closet was in good working order.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Dryer vents should be 25 feet of less in length they should be attached with external clamps only and vented to the exterior of the home. Bends and elbows are okay but this shortens the length of the maximum run. For each 45 degree bend you must shorten the length by 2.5 feet. For each 90 degree bend the length must be shortened by 5 feet.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
It was noted that the p-trap under the bathroom sink was not properly hooked up for this application. Also noted that the toilet rocked back and forth as the brass bolts looked to be rusted or missing altogether. Hell yeah.
Research & Writing Assignment:
When inspecting under the kitchen sink, it was noted that the electrical hookup for the garbage disposal was too short, causing the electrical cord to be too tight. Also noted that an s-trap was used instead of the required p-trap.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
this essay is my report of kitchen fixture being kitchen sink. Adequate water pressure at sink. Sink was a double basin has single p trap with vent for dishwasher capped off. GFCI under sink worked properly when tripped. Did find water shut off to sink with broken handle and is in need of repair.
