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
Drains Not Draining, Venting Frustrations
There is nothing worse than badly draining sinks, tubs, and showers, not to mention toilets that need three flushes to finish the job. A call to a drain cleaning company did not help. They looked down the drains of the three year old home with a camera scope, all the way to the city sewer […]Read More about Drains Not Draining, Venting Frustrations
Adding Water Softener Hook Up? Bad Value
Looking at plumbing in a house have you ever wondered what different things are? There is that usual loop of pipe, which for no apparent reason loops down from ceiling in the basement? Or the two copper pipes about a foot apart one above the other that are sticking straight out and capped off? The […]Read More about Adding Water Softener Hook Up? Bad Value
Wells and Well Water Systems Explained
Many properties particularly in rural areas rely on a well for their water, which is not a problem in itself. A newer well will have a submersible pump that is down in the well shaft, older wells will often have a “jet pump” which will be located at the pressure tank (in the house or […]Read More about Wells and Well Water Systems Explained
Asbestos Pipe Insulation Health Hazard
Video of asbestos pipe insulation on a hydroponic (water) or steam boiler heating system. Asbestos can be dangerous to your health if fibers are disturbed, often found in buildings buildings from the fifty’s and older on heating and hot water plumbing pipes.
Leaking Vent Pipe Boot, Replacement
Where the plumbing vent pipe exits through the roof shingles, there is a metal plate with a rubber gasket (boot) that stops water leaking into the attic. The flashing boot will generally deteriorate and start leaking water into the attic after about twelve years, that’s long before it’s time to re-roof. When boots need to […]Read More about Leaking Vent Pipe Boot, Replacement
Where Are the Gas Shut Off Valves Located?
Assuming it’s a small leak, one that’s hard to smell, the first thing to do is turn off the gas to the unit. The requirement is that there must be a shut off valve within six feet of and in the same room as the gas appliance. Turn off the valve (a quarter turn on […]Read More about Where Are the Gas Shut Off Valves Located?
How Times and Drains Have Changed
This month has been the month for old drain cleaning signs from the 50’s still attached to basement ceiling rafters. Drains have had issues for years, older cast iron pipes were easily damaged by tree roots, while newer PVC pipes are rarely damaged by tree roots but often blocked by disposable diapers, feminine sanitary products […]Read More about How Times and Drains Have Changed
