Franklin TN, Electrical Splices Found in Home Inspection

Elecrical splices are often found during an home inspection by home owners that do not hire a professional and do their project or repair themselves.  Electrical splices should be performed inside of an approve electrical junction box and a cover plate installed to protect the structure from possible over heated connections and anyone else who may come incontact with the spliced wires.   

Franklin TN, Inspector Discovers Federal Pacific Electrical Panel

Federal Pacific Electrical Panels were produced in the 1980’s and are considered to be unsafe. The electrical breakers have been known not to provide the protection needed causing wire damage, electrical fires, and personal injury. The company was also involved in a class action lawsuit. If you have one of these panels it is highly recommended it be replaced by a qualified license electrician.

Franklin TN, Inspection Reveals Faulty Wiring

Unprofessional wiring is often found in older homes that have been remodeled by the home owner. The sub panel pictured has the neutral and the ground wires (white and bare copper wires) attached to the same bus bar. These wires need to be separated so the neutral and ground wires have their own bus bar and the neutral bus be kept non-bonded from the metal panel enclosure. 

Spring Hill TN Inspector Locates Damaged Crawlspace Vents

The 3 louvered crawlspace vents like the one pictured are often found damaged and their screens missing from small animals that can easily separate the louvers and enter the crawlspace. It is recommended that this type of vent be removed and replaced with a grid or grille type screening with sliding vents. Small animals can do costly damage to the HVAC ducts and flooring insulation as well as other damage. 

Nashville TN, Home Inspector Locates Leaking Clean-Out Plug

Plumbing clean out plugs are often found loose and not properly sealed during a home inspection. Plumbers seem to overlook this when the plumbing drain pipes. The plugs will need removed and sealed with pipe dope and properly tightened to prevent sewage from leaking in the crawlspace.

Nashville TN, Home Inspector Measures Elevated Moisture

Small leaks are hard to detect around the toilet wax ring. The pictured toilet did show elevated moisture levels and will need the wax ring seal replaced. During all inspection, Ultra Sound Home Inspections measures around every toilet for elevated moisture levels with an non invasive Trimax Moisture Meter.

Franklin TN, Home Inspector Locates Damaged I-Joist

Damage floor and I-joist are often found under bathrooms in new and older home. Plumbers sometimes are forced to cut the joist to allow for plumbing drains which compromising the strength of the floor structure. If the floor system has to be altered, the effected member (s) should be properly braced and repaired per the manufacture of the I-Joist. If the joist is dimensional wood, it should be repaired per the architect or general contractor.

Bill Collns is the author of this article and is a professional license Home Inspector serving the Middle Tennessee area.

Nashville TN Inspector Discovers Clogged Dryer Vent

Dryer exhaust vent are often neglected as far as maintaining and keeping the dryer vent clean from lint and debris. Lint is flammable and can prevent the proper air flow needed through the pipes causing higher electric or gas bills and the risk of fire. They should be cleaned annually and it is recommended not to use any type of flexible pipe unless necessary. Dryer door vent screens are also not recommended and no longer accepted by the International Residential Codes.

Nashville TN Inspector Discovers Unsupported Plumbing Pipes

Plumbing pipes that are not properly supported can produce stress on the end connections which can eventually fail. The pipes should be strapped and or properly anchored to the bottom of the floor structure to reduce this stress load and to prevent any other possible damage by entering and accessing the crawlspace area.

Franklin TN, Home Inspector Locates Unsafe Water Heater

Defective water heaters are often replaced by home owners not experienced in the field of plumbing or electrical. Often times the electrical wire is not properly attached or grounded to the water heater like the one pictured causing an unsafe condition. This type of job should be left up to qualified professionals.

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