Nolan Kienitz

This machine means business ...

Helluva Mulcher

OK ... y'all prompted me a bit of a diversion (as I'm wont to do ... ) [^]

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Mayfield, OK is the rig's location ... FYI

It's not common here, but I see it in crawls more than attics.

I found one that was energized while crawling in mud with a sweat-soaked shirt.

Seems I recall Marc L. posting a study concerning radiant barrier being a pretty good conductor of electricity.

Not long after he posted that article I happened across an installation (radiant barrier in an attic) that could have been compromised electrically as well.

Attach some boards and make a solid picnic table out of it ... []

Ditto Les' comment ... lots going on, but it is an FPE.

Replace it ...

Marc,

Sure you can write it up (like many things we note in our reports), but it is doubtful that anyone would act upon such.

To say the least the study is an interesting read and it does give me pause as well.

Thanks for providing.

FWIW ... I liked the pickups when they were a 'tad smaller'.

It was like overnight they all got huge. I understand it is about the market and all, but I really liked the full-size units before they got put on steriods.

I had a 2002 Chevy p/u, extended cab that was great.

As you know Texas has a very strict report template (format if you like).

Inspectors can do whatever they want within that template (IE: checkboxes, bullets, narrative, JPGs, etc..)

At least the clients are getting a "common template".

Now the verbiage contained within each topic (IE: Foundations, Grading & Drainage, Electrical, Appliances, etc..) is a wild card.

Have not sent a paper copy in 8+ years.

At the time those were delivered it was due to client living on local hotel, waiting on house to close and get moved in. He did not have printer access, etc..

All very short timeline.

If I had to deliver via paper I likely would not charge.

I don't nickel/dime my clients for 'things'. One price for project (IE: inspection) and sometimes I get caught with a sprinkler system that has 25+ zones on a large parcel of land, but I've already quoted a fee to cover the usually 5-6K s.f. house sitting on that land.

Down here most sprinkler systems are 6-zones and I don't charge 'extra' for them. A lot of HIs charge for every little item. The larger systems 12+ zones and more just consume time, but not worth the effort (my view) with the client.

Sprinkler systems are only one item that came to mind for this reply.

I feel the homebuyers have enough going on ... they don't need to hear from me that checking such is extra or similar.

H = 9

I = 8

Count the alphabet alphas ...

A = 1

B = 2

C = 3

etc.,

BTW - I'm only guessing ....

I know many inspectors and long-term plumbing companies in my neck of the woods that dislike PEX with a passion.

These plumbing companies will not install any of it. They say PEX has a ways to go before they would be comfortable accepting the liability for installing it.

They also will not install CSST.

Ditto what Marc said ... virtually all of the failures I've seen have been installation related.

If it is condensation ... why not also be evident on the fitting at the lower right connection? I'm referring to the upper photo.

Those locations not that far apart.

CF - Good observation about condensation.

EM - Any more similar deterioration noted at the cold water output of the PEX Manifold for the cold water lines? How about other cold water locations away from the manifold in other rooms/walls, etc.?

All depends on the adjusted spray pattern.

If it sprays in a 1/2 circle away from the siding it is not an issue.

Most heads are fully adjustable anyway, but I see so many that are good at washing the veneer.

The legislation will have the force of a baked potato exploding in a microwave.

Is there no end to the humiliation associated with being a HI? I think I answered my own question.......

Kurt,

Would that be before or after you added butter to the potato?

Not for anything, but I really like all the "color" that is evident in B&W photography.

Seems like one (at least me) can see nuances in B&W that many times are just not evident in color images.

Maybe my 20-years in data communications with The Associated Press had something to do with that and keeping the early photo processing equipment up to snuff for clarity of images for publication.

Great image Mike L.

My local HVAC sources were able to get back with me this AM with the information.

DOB: 1988

BTU: 120,000

And a caution to NOT USE the system with that much yellow flame.

Property inspected yesterday (Dallas, TX), built in 1967.

Furnace in attic (typical for Texas), but does not have any dataplate left on system. There were some handwritten numbers on a sticker at the side of the system and there was a label on the manifold.

I tried to correlate the handwritten numbers to the HVAC age sources I have, but came up empty.

Anyone have any clues at possible age of system?

EVAP coil (2007 - American Standard) was connected to a 60,000 BTU (5 ton) condenser (2006 - Trane).

Flamebed was easily 90% yellow and of a style that I happen to call a 'flatbed' spread out across the bottom of the furnace. Small viewing source adjacent to access panel.

Thanks in advance.

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Here is a link to Goodson Engineering out of Denton, TX. They have done forensic analysis on a wide range of items.

Scroll through the list to find their papers on lightening / CSST.

Goodson Engineering - Publications

I recall not too long ago there was a group pushing testing for radon on all the granite countertops that are being installed. I heard a local fed-gov rep on local TV saying how harmful it is ...

Mind you radon in the dirt here in N. Texas barely registers on anyone's maps.

But, the granite countertop radon testing was a potential money maker for a certain group of folks ...

Oh well ... []

I don't trust the bonding. The stuff can't carry lightning currents well enough to avoid trouble and trouble comes big when it's a gas line.

Take it all out, replace it with iron.

Marc

City of Frisco, TX went nuts when they first banned CSST in new home construction (have since relaxed that ban) and started requiring 'bonding' on anything/everything metal in an attic.

Now one has to be on the lookout to not get clotheslined with bonding wires (most use the green sheath) running every whichway and ultimately to a buss bar that usually has a #6 routed back to panel.

Furnace & water heater flues, dryer vent pipes, on and on.

Kurt,

Not an issue. In fact there are a "whole bunch" of Texans who are always hollering about becoming their own country!!

As for CSST, I personally don't care for it. Too many botched up installations and resultant lawsuits.

A plumber that I have had at my home for various projects over the years won't touch the stuff. He has been in business for 20+ years, was a major contractor for new home construction during the boom a few years ago and he must be running about 10-15 trucks. Well respected, excellent work.

They did a gas line extension in our home two years ago for a gas cooktop. He ran me through the wringer about BTUs for installed appliances, new cooktop, distance from meter to house, distance to each gas appliance, etc., etc.. He did it right!! I did the legwork and picked up the permit for him from the AHJ and I also asked if he was going to use CSST or black iron. He said he would not touch CSST with a ten foot pole.

I had quotes from 3 other plumbers and none of them were the least bit concerned about load calculations or even pulling a permit. Goes without saying I was not impressed with 'em.

I'm kind of an 'old school' guy with this product and not willing to endorse it at this time. If it is there I'll inspect as best I can, but I always advise my clients of the current known concerns.

I've had two clients walk away from homes with CSST after they did more due diligence after my inspection.

Jim & Kurt,

Agreed ... many in Texas would love to leave the union ... but, TREC and their control by brokers/agents would prevail and the inspectors would continue to be under their thumb.

I've invited another HI to enter some of his musings about this CSST here at TIJ for additional food for thought.

He may or may not ... so will see.

I'm not comfortable copying/pasting what he has shared without his direct involvement.

No, inspectors are not prohibited from reporting anything they want to report on.

The thrust has been via the TREC Inspectors Committee to propose a language change to the TREC SOP that would cause a line item requiring the inspector to note if the gas distribution is via black iron or CSST, etc., etc..

The TREC IC is reluctant to start making such specific granular requirements as they are concerned about where such demands would stop ... they would not in my view.

Part of the bigger issue is that a substantial percentage of TREC licensed inspectors have absolutely NO knowledge of or about CSST much less some of the problems related to same.

Many inspectors when polled about CSST knowledge at recent CE classes (classes NOT related to CSST) didn't have a clue about the product or its related problems even from a general nature. In a couple of cases the percentage of those inspectors ranged between 30 and 40% of those attending the CE class. Usually the count of attendees for the classes is from 75 to 100.

What's more is that the instructors brought various samples of CSST along with the common stainless flexible connectors and another huge percentage of those unknowing inspectors could not tell the difference between the items.

That is scary in my view.

So ... views are across the spectrum, but the media won't let it go.

The Lubbock Fire Marshall has and continues to convene meetings with other Fire Marshals in Texas and they are working on something related to CSST as well. Reason being is the fire in Lubbock a year ago that was related to CSST where someone died in the blaze. Forensics pointed to CSST failure due to lightning strike.

All CSST installation in Lubbock & area is halted for now from what I understand.

More to come I'm sure.

Local TV station has been doing many investigative reports on CSST and related problems for some time. This clip is the latest after presentations/request to the Texas TREC requesting more reporting requirements from inspectors.

This is not over (at least here in Texas).

Home Inspections May Not Warn of CSST in Homes

Stay the heck away from such "schemes". For the most part they are all bogus and only want $$ out of your pocket.