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.
On a recent home inspection 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.
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Rick Erickson, Home Inspector. HomePro Home Inspections. Rochester, Southeastern, MN. 507-202-8942. http://www.homepro-inspection.com/
Improper Venting to Attic
Bathroom and Kitchen improperly vented to Attic Roof Vent
You can see from the pictures above that it is important that the home inspector does a carefull inspection of the attic areas to insure that all venting exits through the roof. These pictures are from two separate home inspections that UI did over the last couple of months. In each case, the home owner had added either bathroom and/or kitchen exhaust vents and terminated then in the attic. They were all aimed at a roof vent in an effort to exhaust to the outside. You see in the one picture that the handy work failed and the duct never even made it to the roof vent.
To insure proper ventilation of bathrooms and kitchens it is important that all vents exit the roof through proper roof vents. Venting to the attic adds moisture to the attic area which can result in icing and excess moisture in that attic area.
Rick Erickson, Home Inspector. HomePro Home Inspections. Rochester, Southeastern, MN. 507-202-8942
The recent heavy snowfall and drifting brings one more thing that Rochester and Southeastern MN homeowners need to keep an eye on. Home owners with High Efficiency, direct vent furnaces and water heaters need to check to see that the venting has not been drifted over with snow or blocked. These systems typically vent through the sill plate of the home, close to ground level through a white PVC piping like in the photo above. Drifting snow has the potential to block these vents, causing your furnace or water heater to not operate. These systems have sensors that will detect blockage which will shut down the system. Simply got out and check to make sure these vents have adequate clearance. If they are blocked, simply clear the snow out of and away from the vents, and you should be good to go. If there are still problems, call your local Rochester heating contractor to resolve the issue.
I was discussing this with a client recently at a home inspection. The client’s Realtor spoke up and said that he learned this lesson last year. Cost him $75 to have someone come and clear the snow away from the venting.
Rick Erickson, Home Inspector. HomePro Home Inspections. Rochester, Southeastern, MN. 507-202-8942
Here’s another good reason you should make sure all exterior openings are sealed. I usually discuss with my clients the importance of making sure that all exterior openings are sealed so that moisture and insects can not infiltrate.
This home had been sitting empty for quite a while. The bees found a way in through a disconnected dryer vent and built quite a large nest. Lucky for me, someone has smoke bombed the place and killed all of the bees…. there were hundreds of dead bees throughout the home, mainly in the basement.
Rick Erickson, Home Inspector. HomePro Home Inspections. Rochester, Southeastern, MN. 507-202-8942
Sometime it doesn’t hurt to maybe take a look at the roof after a storm. This might also explain the stain on the bedroom ceiling.
I recommend that metal roof vents be used over the less expensive plastic models. Saving a few bucks when installing a roof veny may result in repairs down the road.
Rick Erickson, Home Inspector. HomePro Home Inspections. Rochester, Southeastern, MN. 507-202-8942
I came across this on three homes 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, Southeastern, MN. 507-202-8942
Depending on their condition, old flashings can be reused when a roof is re-shingled. Your roofing contractor will be able to determine what is the best optionon whether to reuse or replace. This video is from a recent home inspection where the soil stack and furnace flue have been properly flashed.
Rick Erickson, Home Inspector. HomePro Home Inspections. Rochester, Southeastern, MN. 507-202-8942
Deteriorated Chimney Cap and Mortar
After years and years of exposure to the elements, the mortar and wash cap around your tile chimney top can start to crack and deteriorate. These types of defects should be noted by your home inspector at the time of your home inspection.
Cracks in your chimney cap should be caulked or sealed in order to prevent damage form freeze/that cycles during the harsh Rochester and Southeastern MN weather. When water is trapped in the masonry or mortar joints, freezing literally starts to break the chimney apart.
Small cracks can be sealed with masonry caulk, or silicone. The best choice would be a urethane or one part epoxy product.
After inspecting your chimney mortar and cap for cracks and deterioration, clean the cracks with a brush or air spray. Fill the cracks with caulk and/or sealant. Caulk should only be used if the cracks are relatively small. You should inspect your chimney cap at least once a year. If it is too high or dangerous for you to attempt yourself, contact a local Rochester or Southeastern MN. Chimney contractor to perform an inspection and repairs.
Larger cracks or major chimney repairs should be handled by professional masons or certified chimney sweeps. If the chimney cap is in real bad shape, the long term solution would be to have the cap replaced with poured concrete. The concrete mix used should be formulated to withstand the weather extremes and moisture. Caps should have adequate expansion joints between the concrete and the clay chimney flue tile. This expansion joint should be sealed after the chimney cap is cured. Pre cast chimney caps may also be available in various sizes from you local chimney contractor.
Rick Erickson, Home Inspector. HomePro Home Inspections. Rochester, Southeastern, MN. 507-202-8942
Improper dryer venting through corrugated plastic material can result in a fire hazard in your home. When performing a home insection it is important that the home inspector determine that the proper dryer venting has been installed. Your dryer should be vented through the proper materials to prevent fires. Appliance manufacturers recommend solid metal smooth bore dryer venting. Take some time at least once a year to make sure that the venting is unobstructed and free of built up lint.
Rick Erickson, HomePro Home Inspections, Serving Rochester and Southeastern, MN. 507-202-8942
Rick is very much a well-trained professional home inspector. I would definitely recommend him to people who need one. Very thorough and knowledgeable!
Wei C. Rochester, MN
I thought the inspection was very thorough. Being a first time homebuyer, I don’t have a lot of experience about things like electricity, sump pumps, etc. I learned a lot of useful information about the home.
Lance G, Rochester, MN
I greatly appreciated your professionalism and your attention to detail. Buying a home is exciting and expensive, and I tend to overlook things that may be important or a problem.
Debbie H, Pine Island, MN