Some Thoughts From Your Inspector... |
The do-it-yourself bathroom...
We have all seen it, the basements get finished by the homeowner and you have what looks like a decently finished bathroom. There is just one thing that stands out... that smell. Can't quite put your finger on it but it isn't right. Several times in the last year I have inspected bathrooms that look pretty good on a typical walk through. What the bathrooms were missing though was a p-trap under the shower. They took the time to bust up the concrete under the shower to run a drain line to connect to the homes waste system but neglected to put in a p-trap which accommodates the water seal to prevent sewer gas from working back into the home. We cant always be certain there isn't one there due to the underground nature of the system but when you see a 90 degree elbow right under the shower pan drain there is a good chance that the pipe goes straight over to the main line connection. Add in the smell and it is almost certain. This would likely be another rather costly fix that would not be found had the buyer not gotten a home inspection. |
Metals don't mix...
Different metal types don't always get along. This is not to uncommon to see in houses. Copper supply pipes being joined with galvanized pipes. The two metals undergo a process called galvanic reaction. This causes weak areas in piping and eventual failure. This is not a good scenario when you happen to be on vacation. There should be a
dielectric union (plastic) between the two connections to isolate them from one another. Any time pipes are resting on each other one should be wrapped with a piece of rubber to keep this from happening as well.
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Get the lap right or else...
If you get a new roof make sure the roofer and his workers know what they are doing when it comes to the valleys. Several times I have seen the close cut valleys lapped the wrong way. The steeper or longer roof plane should always lap over the shallower or shorter roof plane. This allows the shingles to run up below the plane that will deflect more water runoff. If it is done the wrong way water can rush down and get up under the lower roof plane shingles and get behind them resulting in water damage. |
About Us
Your local Twin Cities inspection Company. We are hear to help shed some light on your sale/purchase.
"Pray that we find nothing wrong with the home but thank God if we do"
Inspection WerX 26540 France Ave Elko, Minnesota 55020 Inspection WerX 612-386-2660 |