Originally Posted By: dedwards This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Anything >80 psi is considered “excessive” and a pressure reducing valve SHALL be installed (UPC). You will sometimes hear plumbers call them RP valves. When you mention the water pressure everyone likes to brag…Yeah, its great isnt it? until you tell them the part about needing an RP valve.
Originally Posted By: jpope This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Anything over 80 psi requires a regulator - you are correct. I was just surprised to see the UPC reference as CA is one of the only states relying on this outdated code (although we are currently in transition to the IRC).
Originally Posted By: whandley This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Only the interior residential plumbing is subject to the 80 PSI rule. Make sure the hose bib you tested is behind the structure mounted water shut off valve and therefore branched off the interior fresh water plumbing supply. I’ve had occasion to write up excessive pressure at a hose bib only to find out later, it was still active once the water supply was shut off to the structure. I’m not referring to the water districts main meter shut off valve. Its not uncommon to have the sprinkler system and or perimeter yard hose bibs supplied by a separate line ahead of the regulator and or shut off valve with of course higher working pressures.
Originally Posted By: rcooke This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
gporter wrote:
Will,
It happened at 2 different bibs on opposite sides of the house.
Am I missing some thing ,I do agree what is said about the water pressure above .
My question is why are you measuring water pressure .
The sop does not say we do water pressure. (See II - D below )
I feel by exceeding the sop we can be getting our selves in to difficulty.
II. The inspector is not required to:
A. Light pilot flames.
B. Determine the size, temperature, age, life expectancy or adequacy of the water heater.
C. Inspect interiors of flues or chimneys, water softening or filtering systems, well pumps or tanks, safety or shut-of valves, floor drains or sprinkler systems.
D. Determine the exact flow rate, volume, pressure, temperature, or adequacy of the water supply.
Originally Posted By: lkage This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
rcooke wrote:
My question is why are you measuring water pressure .
Roy, around here, it may be as simple as reading the pressure gauge on the well pressure tank. ![icon_wink.gif](upload://ssT9V5t45yjlgXqiFRXL04eXtqw.gif)
-- "I have never met a man so ignorant that I couldn't learn something from him."
Galileo Galilei
Originally Posted By: rcooke This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
lkage wrote:
rcooke wrote:
My question is why are you measuring water pressure .
Roy, around here, it may be as simple as reading the pressure gauge on the well pressure tank. ![icon_wink.gif](upload://ssT9V5t45yjlgXqiFRXL04eXtqw.gif)
It seems to me that many are using a presure gauge . see below.
gporter wrote:
Will,
It happened at 2 different bibs on opposite sides of the house.
Where do we draw the line .
I do know some inspectors use a bore sightseer to examine inside the wall .
The sop is to try and help us stay out of court.
All H.I. Associations use a similar SOP for our protection.
Some inspectors could be jeopardizing them selves and others by continuing to raise the SOP.
What is next TV cameras to look inside the chimney or drain systems .
How much can you afford to buy.
How Much can you carry .
How much time do you wish to spend on an inspection.
Originally Posted By: lkage This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
rcooke wrote:
lkage wrote:
rcooke wrote:
My question is why are you measuring water pressure .
Roy, around here, it may be as simple as reading the pressure gauge on the well pressure tank. ![icon_wink.gif](upload://ssT9V5t45yjlgXqiFRXL04eXtqw.gif)
It seems to me that many are using a presure gauge . see below.
gporter wrote:
Will,
It happened at 2 different bibs on opposite sides of the house.
Gotcha. I own a pressure gauge. I used it one time to verify that the pressure gauge at the tank was working correctly when it read 105 psi. Other than times like that, it stays in my bag.
-- "I have never met a man so ignorant that I couldn't learn something from him."
Galileo Galilei
Originally Posted By: jpope This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Maximum static pressure shall be 80 psi. When main pressure exceeds 80 psi, an approved pressure reducing valve shall be installed on the domestic water branch or riser at the connection to the water-service pipe.
Originally Posted By: whandley This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
I believe the NACHI SOP is a minimum standard, as are all SOP’s. I’ve altered my inspection protocol over the years to accommodate issues that are routinely of concern to my clients. I’ve also learned that adding a few inspection items may alleviate unpleasant phone calls from my client and or attorneys in the future:
Example - I live in an area with lots of hill side homes. These homes, in some cases experience water pressure readings up to 130 PSI. Client moves in, has a fresh water pipe and or supply hose burst, flooding the structure. Plumber suggests whom ever inspected your property at time of purchase was an idiot and should have advised you of the excessive pressure and need for a pressure regulator.
I realize the SOP may save me. But I don't want that phone call and I don't want to discuss the SOP with my clients attorney and or insurance company. I carry my pressure gauge on top of my ladder. Its used to test maximum pressure readings and pressure drop when I encounter worn galvanized plumbing systems on a weekly basis. It must add all of two to three minutes of inspection time. ![icon_idea.gif](upload://6VKizmOm2U7YYmfXNtFW4XTwFVy.gif)
Originally Posted By: dandersen This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Quote:
The sop does not say we do water pressure. (See II - D below )
I feel by exceeding the sop we can be getting our selves in to difficulty.
Can you elaborate?
You are correct in pointing out testing water pressure is not required. Just wondering what you are basing your feelings on. We may be able to gather more insight from this.
Thanks.
Quote:
I realize the SOP may save me.
I don't think the sop will save anybody when it comes to a lawyer. Depending on the sop for saving grace is a false sense of security to me.
Quote:
The sop does not say we do water pressure. (See II - D below )
I feel by exceeding the sop we can be getting our selves in to difficulty.
Quote:
5. INSPECTOR does not perform engineering, architectural, plumbing, or any other job function requiring an occupational license in the jurisdiction where the inspection is taking place, unless the inspector holds a valid occupational license, in which case he/she may inform the CLIENT that he/she is so licensed, and is therefore qualified to go beyond this basic home inspection, and for additional fee, perform additional inspections beyond those within the scope of the basic home inspection.
Roy is correct, the more you inspect the more you are liable for. Other than that, providing more services to your client is not illegal or against sop, it is just more services and a greater chance to be wrong. However, if you feel you're right and you do it right you should get paid more and there should be no problem with you providing the service.
Originally Posted By: dedwards This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
I doubt giving water pressure is going to open you up to too very much liability. It is only a piece of useful data. Not like attaching a set of gauges to the AC system unless you are qualified to do so. A case in point, there is one neighborhood here that every home has in excess of 100 psi. Ive done quite a few homes in there so I always casually asked the homeowner if they have had any problems with broken water lines, leaks, water heaters, etc. In almost every case they begin to tell me about having to replace toilet valves often and complain bitterly about the quality of stuff today. Then I mention to them the amount of water pressure. They usually think it is great until I tell them that is probably what is causing their problems. One couple looked right at each other after I told them. Then they related to me how they had recently bought a new refrig with ice and water in the door. Three days after the store came out and installed it they woke up in the middle of the night hearing water running. They went into the kitchen and it was flooded due to the polyethylene line on the back had split wide open. My client appreciated me providing that bit of information and a few days later I got a call from the buyers wanting me to inspect their new house. Worth the 2 minutes it takes to do a pressure check.