This safety device is not very common in residential properties. But you do see them often enough that you might have wondered what they are and do. Most home buyers have no idea what it is or why it’s there, so let’s explain it. Water plumbed to anything other than regular home plumbing (examples: water […]Read More about Back-flow Prevention Device
Flawed Expansion Tank Installation
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!
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”
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.
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
A Rental Water Heater: Who would have though?
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 ?
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