Water Pressure Defects

In order to get the most meaningful results in relation to inspecting the water pressure, it is good practice to inspect the plumbing fixtures at the highest point in the house. And then move downwards to the lowest level of the building while running water at each fixture for a minute or two. Do not let water run at any fixture without close observation. Do not let water run unattended at any fixture.

The minimum static pressure at the dwelling entrance for either public or private water service (as determined by the local water authority) should be 40 psi (276 kPa). The maximum static pressure should be 80 psi (552 kPa). When the pressure from the public water main or private well exceeds 80 psi, a pressure-reducing valve or regulator should be installed at the point where the water service pipe enters the dwelling. The pressure regulator should be installed immediately downstream of the main shut-off valve. To allow a continuous flow of water to the dwelling, the water pressure-reducing valve is designed to remain in an open position if the component fails.

Condensate drains from air conditioner coils, condensing furnaces, and heat-recovery ventilators should not drain directly into a DWV pipe. An indirect drain using an air gap should be installed. In some locations, the direct connection of a condensate drain line into a stack is not permitted, even with a trap. The potential danger is that sewer gases may enter the house through the condensate drain line. It is not a cross-connection problem, but it is unsafe and unhealthy. www.nachi.org & www.apollohome.com

A water heater tank should be installed inside a pan in locations in a dwelling where a leak from the tank could cause damage to the structure or property. The pan is intended to catch water leaks from the tank or associated connections, or condensate from the tank. The pan should be made of galvanized steel or other material approved for that use. Pre-fabricated aluminum and plastic pans are common and widely used. Aluminum and plastic pans may not be allowed by every authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) or code official because they are not made of galvanized steel, and some tank manufacturers require the use of a metal pan only.

https://youtu.be/_Xdfvc4DJdQ

Todd D. Engle, CMI

Certified Master Inspector (CMI)®

Discharge, Loop and Air Gap

The dishwasher discharge hose should be connected to the waste tee or disposer inlet above the drain trap. It is recommended that the drain hose either be looped up and securely fastened to the underside of the counter, or be connected to an air gap.

Truss Uplift

A home inspector may observe during a home inspection a crack in the corner of an interior ceiling made of drywall. The crack may be at the top of the wall, and it may appear very thin or narrow (a hairline crack).

Collar Ties

Collar ties span between and connect opposing rafters, and they are typically placed in the top third of the attic spaces. Collar ties hold the rafters down against the ridge board and, to an extent, help prevent rafter spread. Home inspectors should take note of attics without collar ties, especially where the rafters run perpendicular to the joists. Collar ties must be at least 1x4 (nominal) and spaced not more than 4 feet on center. A lack of collar ties may allow roof rafters to separate and cause sagging of the roof's ridge and structure.www.nachi.org

A brick wall is not necessarily considered to be waterproof. Water can penetrate through a masonry crack that is hairline or as small as 1/100th of an inch (0.3 mm). And masonry exterior-covering materials (siding) is porous and can absorb moisture during a weather event.