Franklin TN Locates Leaking Water Heater

Water heaters should be inspected often for leaks and corrosion around the plumbing pipes, TPR Valve, and the lower drain valve. Leaking water heaters can corrode the outside of the heater as well as damage the electrical fitting causing an unsafe condition.

Polybutylene Plumbing Pipes

Polybutylene Plumbing Pipes were installed in residential home for the late 70’s to the mid 90’s. These pipes have a high rate of failure under normal operating conditions. The deterioration of the pipe is due to the chemicals found in drinking water such as chlorine.  A class action lawsuit applied to houses with polybutylene pipes installed between 1978 and 1995. The pipes are usually gray in color and have copper crimps applied to the ends where that attach to a copper fitting or manifold. The pipes will eventually fail and Ultra Sound Inspections always recommends the pipes be replaced.

Home Inspector Discovers High Water Pressure

High water pressure is often found in older homes or houses built in certain jurisdictions that do not require a water pressure regulator to be installed. High water pressure can rupture your washing machine hoses, damage you dish washer and toilet valves, and cost you extra $$ on your utility bills. Regulators can be purchased at the local hardware store for approximately $30.00 and should be installed on the incoming water line on the house side of the main shut off valve.

Nashville TN, Bent Electrical Service Mast

Electrical Service Mast (metal pipe from meter to in Tcoming wires) often get bent when the power lines leading from the structure to the the electric pole become tight from either the power lines interfering with tree limbs during high wind or ice storms.  If the pipe is significantly bent, it will need replaced by an electrician at the expense of the home owner. This can also create an unsafe condition. Power lines should be kept clear to prevent this costly damage from occuring.

Nashville TN, Missing Attic Insulation

Why should new homes be inspected? Attic insulation was found missing over the living room in a hard to get area in the attic. The entire ceiling was found exposed which would have cost the new home owner tons of money in their heating and cooling bill. Attic insulation should be at a minimum depth of 10″ though out the attic floor.

We learned a lot….

Bill and Kimpy,

Thank you for your thorough and professional inspection.  We learned a lot about our soon to be purchased home and based upon your report were able to ask for needed repairs before we closed.  Having a home inspection gave us a better understanding of what we were buying and peace of mind about issues that we had noticed. We were pleased with your work and would recommend your services.

thanks again,

Scott and Meghan

Franklin TN Locates Opening In HVAC Duct

Another good reason to get a home inspection on a new house. The hole pictured in the duct system was found in the attic of a newly built house that was apparently not inspected when new. The first few years of the house, however, I’m sure had a nice conditioned attic. I would also assume the electric/gas bills were higher than normal. For this reason and many others, in the upcoming years, HVAC ducts will have to be pressure tested when installed to minimize the rist of such leaks.  

Franklin TN Inspector Finds Poorly Installed Foundation Piers

The purpose of foundation piers are to help transfer the weight of a structure to the earth. Improperly installed piers can cause settlement to the walls and floor structure as well as cracks in the sheetrock walls. They can also be responible for interior doors that are difficult to open and close.

Masonry Foundation Piers should be placed on dug out and poured concrete footings. Any shims placed on top of the piers should be either 2×6 treated lumber or 4×4 inch thin metal shims designed for this application.

Home Inspector Locates Roof Leak Nashville TN

Roof leaks are often found where objects such as roof plumbing stack pipe protrude through the roof. The rubber boots, or flashing, that surrounds the pipe typically last approximately 7 to 10 years before they start to dry rot and decay. The rubber boots should be inspected anually and replaced if needed.

Nashville TN Reveals Missing Electrical Knock-Out Plate

Electrical panels should be kept sealed with no opening or voids to prevent their dangerous high voltage components from being exposed. Often time during a home inspection knock out plates, that are removed to allow the installation of a breaker, are often found missing from the electrical panel leaving it in an unsafe condition. Filler plugs can be purchased from the local hardware store and should be installed to correct this issue.

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