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Your Home and Your Health – Avoid Carbon Monoxide Hazards

 What is carbon monoxide?  Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless and toxic gas.  It is often called the “silent killer” because it is impossible to see, taste or smell the toxic fumes.  Unfortunately, hundreds of people accidentally die from carbon monoxide poisoning each year.  However, there are several things you can do as a homeowner to protect your family.

1) Winter is upon us here in Minnesota.  If you live in a colder climate like Rochester MN, it is important to clear snow drifts away from exhaust vents. 
2) Open flues when wood fireplaces are in use. 
3) Do not idle the car inside the garage.
4) Keep gas appliances properly adjusted.
5) Have your furnace maintained by a trained professional on a yearly basis.
6) Install approved and certified carbon monoxide detectors.

Did you know?  There is a new Minnesota law that has been enacted in order to help prevent carbon monoxide tragedies from occurring.  The statute requires a carbon monoxide alarm be installed within 10 feet of each room lawfully used for sleeping purposes in every single-family dwelling.  This not only includes new construction properties but existing homes as well. 

What does this mean for home buyers?  When purchasing a home, your home inspector will verify whether the home is properly equipped with the CO detectors as specified by the law.  If the detectors are missing, you can request the seller comply with the law and have the detectors installed appropriately before the closing.

What does this mean for home sellers?  You have a legal obligation to equip the home you are selling with the proper number of detectors in the appropriate areas.  It is not sufficient for seller’s to purely count on disclosure as a way to get around having the additional cost of purchasing the detectors.  It is imperative for sellers to be proactive due to the potential damage that could occur from not having the adequate number of detectors.  It’s going to come up on a home inspection report, so you might as well get them installed.   As a bonus, you are protecting your own family!

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

Posted on Tuesday, February 24th, 2009.
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Posted in Heating, Inspectors Blog

Rochester MN Home Inspection Company Shares Sump Pump Basics

Sump Pump

The sump pump protects your home from groundwater forcing its way down through the soil into that hole in the ground we call a basement.  A drain tile system below the basement floor will channel water into the sump pump basket.  When the water level hits the float in the sump basket, the sump pump lifts this water to the surface outside or into an underground storm sewer pipe that drains away from your home.

The sump pump and drainage system is separate from the sanitary sewer system that drains waste water from your home to the septic system or to a sanitary sewer treatment plant.  Your sump pump should not discharge to the sanitary sewer.

During the home inspection, a home inspector will look for indication of water in the sump basket, and will test that the sump pump operates.  Test your sump pump every few months. Start the pump by adding water to the sump basket or by lifting the float. The pump should start when the water is 8 to 12 inches below the basement floor slab. The water in the sump basket should be clear, without roots or debris. Watch to be sure the pump removes water from the crock.

The pump may have a float on the end of a rod or wire. Be sure the float operates easily and can’t rub against the sump basket or the cover. If the float sticks, the pump will not run, and your basement could have some flooding.

If the pump is older and worn, rusty, or noisy, it should be replaced. The pump should be securely mounted in the sump basket. The power supply should be from an outlet, not an extension cord, and the plug should be securely fastened to the outlet.

If the pump runs more than several times per day or runs often during heavy rain, you should have a spare pump or even a second pump mounted in the sump basket. The second pump could have a float set for a higher water level so that the second pump only runs if the first pump fails. If you live in an area in Southeastern MN where the electrical power fails during storms, I would consider a battery backup for the pump system.

You might also want to consider installing an alarm that will alert you if the sump pump fails. This could save considerable damage from flooding that could result from this failure. Options range from expensive home alarm systems to a simple battery-operated water alarm. You can pick up a water alarm at your locat building supply center.

The Water Detector is a palm-sized unit operated by a 9-volt battery. When in contact with water, it continuously emits an alarm for up to 72 hours. The unit will float and continue to sound an alarm during a flood.

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

Posted on Tuesday, February 24th, 2009.
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Posted in Basement, Inspectors Blog, Plumbing

You did way more than I was expecting in a home inspection!  I was very pleased that you were consistent in looking for every possible issue an older home could have.  Thanks again!

Matt L, Kasson, MN

Thanks Rick, we feel very comfortable in the decision of buying our new home after the home inspection.  You did a great job!.

Suzy & Kevin H. Pine Island, MN.

As first time homebuyers we trusly appreciated the thoroughess of our home inspection, as well as the manner in which Rick explained everything to us.

Machaela & Bill, Rochester, MN

Call and schedule your inspection today 507.202.8942