An air gap in a drainage system is the unobstructed vertical distance of free space between the outlet of the waste pipe and the...

Hot water boilers should be provided with expansion tanks. There are two types of expansion tanks designated for use with a residential...

Water circulating through a hot water circulation system becomes chemically inert and does not rust the piping. But water heaters have a...

Whirlpool/jetted bathtub fixtures must be installed according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. The bathtub may be filled with water...

Discharge, Loop and Air Gap The dishwasher discharge hose should be connected to the waste tee or disposer inlet above the drain trap. It...

The illustration above shows the difference between an S-trap and a P-trap. S-traps are not permitted due to siphoning problems....

Unvented Crawlspaces In most climate zones, conditioned crawlspaces perform better than vented crawlspaces in terms of safety, health,...

Crawlspaces Access openings must be a minimum of 18 inches high by 24 inches wide. Access to all under-floor spaces must be provided with...

Check for downspouts diverters not discharging water far enough away from the house. Check floor lawn irrigation systems spraying water...

BASEMENT for smells! Check both concrete walls and concrete slab floors for any indications or evidence of cracking. As a general rule,...

steep slope The home inspector should note if a home is on a steep slope and, therefore, subject to erosion or movement. The maximum...

A slab-on-grade foundation is a type of foundation consisting of a structural concrete slab poured onto the ground, but usually, there is...

What's an Arc Flash? An arc flash occurs when a flashover of electric current leaves its intended path and travels through the air from...

All electrical systems require a means of disconnection so that the service can be shut down quickly if any dangerous conditions exist....

Many people use the name Romex® when referring to type-NM cable. Romex® is a trademarked name that has come into common usage for...

Wire types for North American wiring practices are defined by standards issued by Underwriters Laboratories, the Canadian Standards...

Many roof problems are caused by issues with the framing and sheathing. In this section, we will focus on the defects that may be viewed...