Home Inspection Plumbing

BE AWARE OF PROBLEM PLUMBING

Part of a home inspection is too inspect the plumbing system (where visible) for signs of leaks, proper drainage and venting and most importantly, issues with certain types of plumbing that may not be obvious. Here is an example. PB plumbing (polybutylene) has been known to have issues with leaking at the joints and causing damage to property. Several lawsuits were filed and as such we home inspectors (good ones) will make buyers aware of the problems with such a system. However, and here is where I am going to probably scare some inspectors, there is another system out there you need to be aware of. Currently there has been a class action lawsuit filed in Minnesota over Zurn Pex plumbing systems that use brass fittings. These fittings, according to the lawsuit, are prematurely failing, sometimes within months of installation, causing leaking behind walls and floors. See article: http://www.lawyersandsettlements.com/articles/10631/zurn-pex-brass-fitting-failures.html. Many people may have unexpectedly purchased a home with this type of plumbing system in the last year alone and not been aware of the potential problems that exist, even though they had a home inspection (not all inspectors will know about or call out such a concern). Did your inspector call this out if you have it? Usually the plastic piping will have Zurn Pex on it, but the fitting (suspected of being the problem), will a stamped letter like Q on it. Be aware this only involves the brass fittings. Here is another discussion board with a plumber discussing what he knows about the system: http://www.terrylove.com/forums/showthread.php?14888-Re-piping-with-pex. This is another great reason to have an independent home inspector to tell inform you of problems. If you have any questions or would like a quality Minneapolis or Saint Paul home inspection, call us @ 612-919-3844 or visit our website @ www.7countyhomeinspection.com

Saint Paul Home Inspector Stories

Saint Paul Home Inspection

Many people who have not had a home inspection, yet, are often very curious about the process and what is usually uncovered. This blog will discuss, anonymously, conditions which I have uncovered while inspecting homes throughout Saint Paul, Minneapolis and the surrounding 11 county metro area.
One of the most common defects I have found is either ungrounded outlets (especially older homes) or outlets which should be GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interupt). GFCI monitor the hot and neutral wires looking for a change (spike) which triggers a switch in the outlet cutting off the current through the outlet. These outlets are required within 3 feet of a water source and commonly should be located in areas such as a kitchens, bathrooms and laundry rooms. Other areas they are recommended is the garage and exterior. Many newer homes will wire in outlets in series with a GFCI (such as multiple bathrooms using one GFCI) as a cost savings.
Another common defect I see is no pressure reverse on garage doors. This safety measure is intended to save damage to property and people. The garage door should reverse direction when closing if it comes in contact with an object. Many people believe the optic sensors are enough, however, these are regularly not installed at the proper heights (some are at ground level or an inch or two above) and would be useless for most vehicles or someone standing outside the contact of the beam.
Some of the biggest issues we have uncovered during our home inspections are not that common, but do pose the greatest expense if not discovered. Structural issues tend to be the biggest expense if severe enough. Many foundations throughout Minnesota will have slight cracking (1/8 inch or less) due to either mild settling or normal shrinkage of material during the curing process. These conditions do not normally concern us unless there is lateral displacement (offset) involved (possible sign of heaving). Structure can also mean a problem with the wood framing or roofing structure. Recently we uncovered a wall on the exterior which had a inward deflection of approximately 6 inches by a second story window covering an area of approximately 6 feet by 5 feet. The fascia board along the roofs edge was dipping down about an inch almost dead center of this bowing inward. Upon further investigation, we found the interior structure was sagging toward the center of the home and there was substantial damage to beams and rafters in the attic which had attempted "repairs" done to it. Now these are unusual for the most part, but many homes have some form of defects (either very small or very big) to some degree. Having a Certified home inspector perform your inspection with the proper tools can help to uncover hidden problems before it is too late.
If you are someone you know is in need of information or would like to schedule an inspection, call us @ 612-919-3844 or visit our website @ www.7countyhomeinspection.com