Starting this course now as a part of my CPI, can’t wait to get it! Good luck guys!
Plumbing has been one of the few professions I haven’t worked in. The information provided was top notch. I feel like I could go work for a plumber as a helper now. I am really enjoying the courses.
whoa thanks for answering that
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View Question
To successfully complete this course, you must write two essays.
This course page contains instructions for the first essay, which involves performing a home inspection, including the roof, taking inspection images, using checklists, and writing a report.
This assignment may take 8 hours to complete.
The second essay is described on the next course page.
In relation to this inspection and writing assignment:
- INSPECTION: Perform an inspection of the water supply pipes, drain/waste/vent pipes, hot water tank, or plumbing fixtures. It could be your house, a friend's, or a family member's house. Stay safe. Perform a visual-only inspection according to the Home Inspection Standards of Practice. Inspect a system or component covered in the course.
- IMAGES: During the inspection, take several inspection images of that system or component. Use your phone, mobile device, or digital camera. It can either be in good condition or have a defect.
- OBSERVATIONS: Make observations and take notes while inspecting. Use the InterNACHI® Home Inspection Standards of Practice as a guide to your inspection. Use your own inspection software or InterNACHI's inspection checklist.
- ESSAY: Write and submit an essay describing your observations and the inspection images. Upload an inspection image along with the essay.
For example, you may inspect a flushing toilet, a draining sink, or a TPR valve on a hot water tank. Take inspection images while performing the inspection. Take several inspection images while performing the inspection. Make observations. Take a lot of notes. Then prepare to communicate your observations in written form. This will be your essay.
This inspection and writing assignment is very similar to what a home inspector does during a home inspection--performing an inspection, studying and referring to a Standards of Practice, taking inspection images, making observations, describing components, determining the condition of those components, formulating opinions, making recommendations to correct (if needed), proposing the implication of not making corrections to a defect (if observed), writing notes, and communicating observations in written form.
Your essay must meet the following criteria:
- It must be written in English.
- It must be at least 80 words in length.
- It must be written at a minimum 4th-grade level.
- It must sufficiently comment upon the system or component inspected.
- It must be submitted with an inspection image.
You will submit your essay in the box titled “Your Essay.” You will also upload your inspection image. Once you submit your essay, staff will review and mark it.
Please continue with the course after submitting your essay. If the essay does not meet the criteria, you'll be notified by email to rewrite the essay.
Sometimes older homes that have been purchased by flippers and sold for profit have hidden interesting things hidden underneath. In this instance a kitchen sink drain is double trapped, one under the sink and one under the floor, which is leaking. The problem is that the drainage in that kitchen sink is rather slow, which could be from the combination of the double traps and the build up in the cast iron pipe, this whole thing needs to be replaced Another interesting note is how the copper is making contact with the cast iron, causing the possibility of galvanic reaction.
I have two questions:
- does a water heater require an expansion tank if the home is serviced by a private well?
- in the pic, is that a pressure reducing valve on the line with the main water shutoff valve?
It depends to manufacturer of water heater.
If your system has a check valve you should definetely install a expension tank. The check valve protect your well contamination and at the same time your heated water can not expend toward to the well. I believe pumps have check valve anyway
looks like pressure reducing valve
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Ready to start this course
Like so many others… Here I am getting started on this plumbing course.
Just when you think you know everything about plumbing… Yu will always learn something more. I have a full time job and starting my own Home inspection Business from scratch. I’m over a year in and fell behind on my 1st year classes. Now I’m racing to the finish line. I would prefer to take my time but i do what needs to be done even if I have to turn business away to make time for education. Don’t fall behind guys, it easier to keep up than it is to catch up.
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I know this was 4 months ago and I’m sure you got your answer, but just in case I think it depends on the system having a check-valve or not. If its an older system, its possible there may not be a check-valve and the water can expand back into the public water plumbing. But not likely…The water heater water needs to expand when it gets hot. If it cant, then there is a problem. The TPR valve will leak or its possible the pressure will affect something else in the system like a leaky faucet. I have a well (private water source and have a lard expansion tank that holds 50ga. I definitely do not need an expansion tank on my water heater. I have seen them installed even when the home has a well and expansion tank. I guess its something more to bill for.
Look for a large blue expansion tank near the plumbing that comes in before it splits off. All wells should have one at the pressure switch to prevent the hammering effect of the pump turning off and on.
Today we begin Plumbing, only a couple more modules left!
Starting this course today, Im excited to learn what it has to offer!
I’m starting the courses today. Starting with Plumbing first.
starting the course
HI, i have difficulty downloading multiple photos on my phone to my laptop, it only allows one photo. Any recommendations which digital handy camera (handy) i would buy for easier downloading on my laptop? Thanks
This course has made me realize that my old house has had a lot of incorrect repairs over the years and likely so have many others in my area. Can’t wait to get to work finding the defects!
When hearing knocking in the walls during the operation of a water supply system in another location of the house is indication of improper strapping of pipes? For example, a washing machine in the laundry room and knocking happening in the water closet where the water heater is located?