This was a first, a rental water heater! In 23 years and more than 10,000 inspections I was sure there was not much more that could surprise me, but then there in an older house I am stopped by the very large notice on the water heater saying it was a rental. Our buyer goes, […]Read More about A Rental Water Heater: Who would have though?
Garbage Disposal Safety
That wonderful piece of equipment in your kitchen sink makes cleaning dishes so easy! Scrape everything from rice to potatoes into it and with the flip of a switch it’s gone. Between the sink and the disposal there is a rubber flange called a splash guard. It’s job is to stop stuff in the disposal […]Read More about Garbage Disposal Safety
Propane Tank Certification
You may have a large propane tank in your side yard and wonder if it needs re-qualification? (Inspection, testing and stamped as functional for use) Propane gas cylinders like those twenty pound cylinders commonly used for gas grills are required to be re-qualified, ten years after the original date of manufacture. Then they must have […]Read More about Propane Tank Certification
Gas Leaks: Finding and What to Do
Gas distribution systems in houses are the same for natural and propane gasses. Just like the best plumbing that has been trouble free for years can for no apparent reason develop a leak, so too can gas piping. The one difference is that with water, the pipe itself will often spring a leak whereas that […]Read More about Gas Leaks: Finding and What to Do
Expansion Tank on Water Pipes Explained
If your house is equipped with such a device as pictured, you have probably noticed it plumbed in above or beside your water heater but may have no idea what it is for. If so you’re not alone. It’s not exactly the rock star of the plumbing world and doesn’t get much attention. So let’s […]Read More about Expansion Tank on Water Pipes Explained
Protect Your Gas Meter: Bollards Up!
A gas meter may be located in a variety of places around your property. You may find it on the interior of the structure, mounted to the exterior or located somewhere on the grounds. When installed outside, one of the most important considerations is protection of the unit and piping. In particular, we are […]Read More about Protect Your Gas Meter: Bollards Up!
Professional Plumbing Repair ?
Heading to inspect a vacant house in Springfield our inspector got a call from the office to tell us that a leak on the main drain in the basement had been professionally repaired by a plumber the day before. There was only one main drain so we could not have been mistaken as we […]Read More about Professional Plumbing Repair ?
Low Flow Water Woes: Water Pipe Issues?
One of the primary functions of our homes is to provide us with an adequate supply of fresh water for all of life’s necessities. From doing dishes and laundry to flushing toilets and taking showers, we use a lot of water. So naturally, it can be very distressing to turn on a faucet only to […]Read More about Low Flow Water Woes: Water Pipe Issues?
Sump Pumps Explained – Yay or Nay?
Today we will be shining a technical spotlight on a handy piece of equipment used to assist in drainage. Yes, that’s right folks- we are talking about the sump pump.Now you may be thinking, “sump pump – doesn’t that have to do with my sewage system?” Well in fact, no, it does not. Sump pumps […]Read More about Sump Pumps Explained – Yay or Nay?
Furnace & Water Heater Space too Small
Opening the door to the utility closet was like opening a door into a land of make believe, an installation by Walter Mitty! The first person who should take blame for the situation is the architect who designed a closet too small to put a furnace and a water heater into. The furnace requires three […]Read More about Furnace & Water Heater Space too Small
Gas Leak Found During the Inspection
When people think of leaks, it’s water leaks they think of. During inspections our buyers are concerned about every stain on the ceilings and walls and never think that there may be a leak that could have more serious consequences. It never ceases to amaze us how many gas leaks we find in the course […]Read More about Gas Leak Found During the Inspection
Check the Tub Overflow for Leaks
If you’ve got a bathtub you probably have an overflow, that’s the round disc that prevents the water from overflowing if you fill the bathtub too high. Some of these overflows also have the control for the drain plug on a small lever. You should check that it is securely fastened by trying to wiggle […]Read More about Check the Tub Overflow for Leaks
S-traps Not Permitted on Drains.
Looking under the sinks in many older homes it is not unusual to see the original trap on the drain, these were often similar to an “S” on it’s side. They are no longer permitted due to their tendency, when draining water from the sink, to finish with a siphon action that can empty the […]Read More about S-traps Not Permitted on Drains.
Lead Water Main Pipe is a Health Hazard
In the basement of a home from the mid 1800’s there was a heath hazard that no one noticed. Various buyers over the years, the current owner who had purchased the home six months before, real estate agents and our clients all walked past this piece of pipe as they anxiously looked for potential issues […]Read More about Lead Water Main Pipe is a Health Hazard
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