Plumbing

Home Inspection Uncovers Unsafe “S” Trap
YouTube Preview Image

In plumbing system, a trap is located below plumbing fixtures to prevent sewer gasses from entering the building. You will see in the attached video from a recent home inspection that there is what is referred to as an “S” Trap. In many locations, plumbing codes do not allow “S” Traps as they are prone to siphon out the water seal even if properly vented, thus allowing sewer gassed to escape into the building. The accepted type of trap is called a “P” Trap.  Your home inspectors report should document where “S” traps are in use.


Home Inspection Detects Hazardous Gas
YouTube Preview Image

On a recent home inspection near Rochester MN,  I came across what appeared to be a blocked chimney flue.  Both the furnace and water heater were functioning properly with nice blue flames.  I was however getting back draft Carbon Monoxide exhaust from both appliances.  Carbon Monoxide does not smell or taste and can lead to death if occupants are over exposed.  I recommended to the homeowner that they immediately get a qualified Plumbing & Heating contractor to resolve the condition.  In addition, it was recommended that Carbon Monoxide detectors be installed on all levels of the home.

If you enjoyed this video, and would like to see more like it, please leave a comment.

Rick Erickson, Home Inspector, HomePro Home Inspections. Rochester MN, Southeastern, MN. 507-202-8942. http://www.homepro-inspection.com


Home Inspection Discloses How Not To Fix A Leaky Valve

Sponge used to fix leaky faucet

There’s more than one way to fix a leaky valve.  In this particular instance the homeowner duct taped a sponge to the affected valve.  As it leaked, the water dispersed through the sponge and evaporated, thus preventing a leak to whatever lay below…

Special thanks to Trent Martin at Mr Rooter Plumbing for providing the photo and story.  Trent fixed the valve properly. I give you honorary HomePro Home Inspectors status

Rick Erickson, Home Inspector, HomePro Home Inspections. Rochester MN, Southeastern, MN. 507-202-8942. http://www.homepro-inspection.com


Rochester MN Home Inspectors’ State Of The Art Radon Measurement Equipment

Sun Nuclear Radon Monitor

Sun Nuclear Continuous Radon Monitor

The ONLY way to find out if your home has high Radon levels is to have your home tested.
50-60% of all homes tested in Rochester MN, and Olmsted and the surrounding counties exceed the EPA’s recommended action level of 4 pCi/L.  Nationwide, 7% of homes are estimated to have high Radon levels.  Levels can vary widely even from home to home in the same neighborhood.

HomePro Home Inspections uses the latest in Radon Measurement technology.  The Sun Nuclear 1029 continuous Radon Monitor provides accurate, continuous Radon Measurement for our clients.  This unit is far superior to passive radon measurement devices and provides a high level of tamper proof features.  Passive Radon measurement devices can be moved, windows can be opened, etc.  during the Radon Measurement process.

The NEW model 1029 Continuous Radon Monitor is even more impressive with environmental sensors checking temperature, barometric pressure and relative humidity to further assist with closed building conditions. It has twice the sensitivity as it’s predecessors and provides selectable interval settings to read as low as half an hour.

A time and date clock will automatically record start/stop times and print along hourly intervals. A 12 hour delay start can be selected to meet all proficiency program closed building procedures. The monitor can be programmed to shut down when the test is complete. The software program allows “read only” time and date parameter’s to prevent tampering once the test is complete. Test site and weather conditions can also be added along with customer address and contact information. Add photo images of the monitor location in the home.

PC software allows for downloading printing of complete report with all readings and graphs to better provide an accurate picture of the Radon readings during the measurement process.

Rick Erickson, Home Inspector, HomePro Home Inspections. Rochester MN, Southeastern, MN. 507-202-8942. http://www.homepro-inspection.com


Home Inspectors Discover Serious Water Heater Venting Problem

Hot Water Heater Vent Flue Disconnected

At this home inspection I came across a hot water heater in a utility closet in which the vent flue had become disconnected at the ceiling.  In addition to the exhaust and CO venting directly to the closet, you can see that the paper on the adjacent sheetrock is heavily charred from the exhaust heat. 

The home owner stated that the water heater was professionally installed less than 6 months ago.  Lucky for them, the door to the utility closet sealed fairly securely which slowed the flow of CO into the living area of the home.  I recommended to the home owner that they contact the installer immediately for emergency repairs to the vent flue.

You cannot see or smell carbon monoxide (CO), but at high levels it can kill a person in minutes. It is the leading cause of poisoning death, with over 500 victims in the United States each year.  The initial symptoms of CO poisoning are similar to the flu but without the fever. They include headache, fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea, dizziness, vomiting, disorientation, and loss of consciousness.

 Rik Erickson, Home Inspector, HomePro Home Inspections. Rochester MN, Southeastern, MN. 507-202-8942. http://www.homepro-inspection.com


Vinyl Flooring Stains Around A Toilet Found During Home Inspection.

Vinyl flooring stain due to leaky toilet

The gray, and pinkish stains below the surface of the vinyl flooring found around the toilet by the home inspector indicates water damage.  When there are stains around your toilet, there is probably a leak in the wax seal ring that seals the toilet to the plumbing flange at the floor.  Continued leaking over a period of time will rot the flooring under your toilet and eventually leak into the areas below. 

Try moving the toilet gently from side to side.  Your toilet should not move.  If it is loose, you will probably need to have a new wax ring installed. 

Sometimes a quick fix can be completed by tightening the nuts at either side of the toilet at the floor.  Usually these nuts are located under a small plastic cap.  You will need to be very careful in tightenening these nuts.  Your toilet is made of porcelain that can break if you over tighten, have uneven pressure, or poor support at the flange.  Turn only a quarter turn at a time.  When the toilet will no longer move, it is tight enough.

Rick Erickson, Home Inspector, HomePro Home Inspections. Rochester MN, Southeastern, MN. 507-202-8942. http://www.homepro-inspection.com


Home Inspection Uncovers Plugged Soil Stack
100_0177

Plugged Soil Stack

I came across this on three home inspections this month. Plumbers pressure check the plumbing system for leaks prior to turning the water on in new construction.  As you can see, there is a yellow plug in the soils stack.  Sometimes they forget to remove the soil stack plugs.  One of the homes I found this on was 3 years old.  Wonder if the previous owners ever has problems with drains draining?

Rick Erickson, Home Inspector, HomePro Home Inspections. Rochester MN, Southeastern, MN. 507-202-8942. http://www.homepro-inspection.com


Home inspection finds Power Strip On A Wet Copper Line.
PICT0049

Power Strip Attached To Water Line

During a recent home inspection I came across a power strip that was being used as permanent wiring.  The power strip was twist tied and duct taped to a water line supplying an external hose faucet.  The home owner was watering the lawn that day, the Air Conditioning was off and it was moderately humid.  As you can see from the picture, the water line was dripping with condensation.  Of course, it was recommended that this power strip be removed from the copper water line, and to insulate the exterior water lines to eliminate the condensation when watering the lawn.

Rick Erickson, Home Inspector, HomePro Home Inspections. Rochester MN, Southeastern, MN. 507-202-8942. http://www.homepro-inspection.com


Rochester MN Home Inspectors Recommends Water Heater Tune Up
YouTube Preview Image

As part of the home inspection process I look at the water heater combustion chamber.  The water heater is one of those systems in the home that is commonly neglected until it doesn’t work.  Quite often I come across water heaters that are in need of a tune up.  In this video I show how rust flakes and debris can build up in the combustion chamber over time, thus reducing the efficiency of your water heater.  A simple tune up by your local Rochester MN plumbing contractor can help to save fuel and operating costs for your water heater.

Rick Erickson, Home Inspector, HomePro Home Inspections. Rochester MN, Southeastern, MN. 507-202-8942. http://www.homepro-inspection.com


Rochester MN Home Inspection Reveals Issue With Loose Plumbing Fixtures
YouTube Preview Image

Here is an example of a shower enclosure from a home inspection in a home near Rochester MN.  Occasionally plumbing fixtures are not secured properly behind shower enclosures.  This results in the potential for leaks due to cracked joints and/or water seeping between the fixture and enclosure.

Rick Erickson, Home Inspector, HomePro Home Inspections. Rochester MN, Southeastern, MN. 507-202-8942. http://www.homepro-inspection.com



Very professional, thorough and complete home inspection.

Jim & Karen L, Rochester, MN.

I was very impressed with the whole home inspection process.  All of my questions were answered thoroughly.  My uneasiness and worries were erased after review of the home inspections findings and discussion.  Well worth the money.  I will definitely recommend you to others!

Derrick W, Rochester, MN

Dallas was very thorough on my home inspection.  He was pleasant and answered all of my questions.  We would be happy to refer your company to others if the opportunity arises.

Winifred P, Rochester, MN.


Call and schedule your inspection today 507.202.8942