These expansion tanks are becoming more common, some are blue, some beige all slightly bigger than a gallon milk jug. Most often located at the water heater, these tanks allow heated water to expand in closed water systems without bursting the pipes. Installations like the one in the photo are a water leak time bomb, […]Read More about Flawed Expansion Tank Installation
A Privy, you will probably never get to use one!
In an old house in Yellow Springs this privy or outhouse (toilet) from the 1800’s is really unusual. It’s a three seater! Two adults and a child’s spot. The older homeowner told me all about it, when it was built the house was at the edge of the village so when travelers came in by […]Read More about A Privy, you will probably never get to use one!
Why is the AC condenser suspended
That’s a great question, and we are asked it all too often and now you will know. The two options for the condenser are to be installed on a pad, the most common option or suspended on brackets. Suspended condenser units became popular about fifteen years ago. When a contractor was installing the heating and […]Read More about Why is the AC condenser suspended
Modern “In”convince!
A 1950’s house, with all the modern convinces of the time. The party room with spotlights and bar, built in intercom and music in all the rooms. The wiring was amazing, lights everywhere, recessed, at the top of the window treatments, with ceiling fans, just mind boggling! But more mind boggling was trying to figure […]Read More about Modern “In”convince!
Siding in contact with roofing
Should siding be installed touching the roof? It really depends on the siding. Vinyl and aluminum siding are can be install against the roofing if so desired, because they are not damaged by moisture. Any type of wood siding or trim and fiber cement siding should have a two inch gap between its termination and […]Read More about Siding in contact with roofing
Gas line “appliance connectors”
The yellow flexible pipe pipe on the gas line to the furnace is a problem. Flexible connectors are not permitted to go through any wall of any kind. The metal wall of the furnace cabinet becomes the excluding factor. Equally bad is that the edges of the hole in the cabinet are sharp and could […]Read More about Gas line “appliance connectors”
The Utility Room “with a twist”
Bathrooms come in all shapes and sizes, half baths and full baths, and then there is a new addition: the utility room! What architect thought this was a good idea, in fact the photo does not fully portray just how exposed the user is on this throne! This is the rear of a utility room […]Read More about The Utility Room “with a twist”
Is Your Stove Safe? (or a child killer)
In 1986 a young girl lost a limb when a kitchen stove tipped over and crushed her. As a result all free standing stoves sold since 1991 come with an anti-tip bracket included in the bag with the instruction manual. Sadly most brackets are never installed. Younger children are the most common victims, opening the […]Read More about Is Your Stove Safe? (or a child killer)
Staging a home for a quick sale, Oops!
Staging a home when putting it up for sale has become very popular. Staging can make a very uninteresting home look amazing. Designers will bring in furniture, paintings, magazines and on occasion we have seen condiments in the refrigerator! On the kitchen counter there are cooking books, dish towels beautifully folded, chopping blocks and bowls […]Read More about Staging a home for a quick sale, Oops!
Updated Wiring Issues Never Corrected
When the house was remodeled and the electric service upgraded the electrical inspector failed the inspection and notated three items that required correction. Somehow this was overlooked and the house was sold to a new owner who had it inspected before move in. The issues noted on the back of the inspection tag should have […]Read More about Updated Wiring Issues Never Corrected
Those that pray together stay together!
Churches and other places that have large gatherings generally have restrooms that are large with numerous commodes separated by partitions, each with its own door. So imagine our surprise when we came across this bathroom in a church Sunday school that gives the phrase “public toilet” a new meaning.
You Need a New Electric Service
Looking at buying a new house? Or possibly you already own one. If it’s an older home from the first half of the 1900’s look at the electric meter base. That’s the metal part that the glass attaches to, if it’s anything other than round you are good! If it’s round it’s only rated for […]Read More about You Need a New Electric Service
Amusing! Water fountain(s)
Inspecting a movie theater we came across the water fountain, or should we say a family of water fountains! Who needs popcorn and sodas with this attraction in the hallway.
Is Your Garbage Disposal a Club Member
When it comes to garbage disposals there one common issue that seems to repeat itself house after house. The problem is that plumbers are not electricians and electricians are not plumbers. Most garbage disposals do not come with a power cord attached which means that the plumber has to do his/her best to wire it […]Read More about Is Your Garbage Disposal a Club Member
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