msteger

Just chiming in... that system York uses now sounds so dumb. Why not just use a letter for the plant and the two digits together for the year? Sounds like someone was just trying to come up with a complicated method.

There's a development near me that was built in the 1970's and every home I've inspected there (maybe 10) all have excessive paint spray in the panel. Each panel is a Bulldog pushmatic too.

Yes. They're just spacers. There are several different versions out there. - Jim Katen, Oregon Are they just spacers for when the trusses are installed and the builders often leave them there? I see these all of the time as well and assumed that was what they were for.

I remove the front cover and watch the flame action when the unit is running. I also remove the blower compartment door and filter. I think removal of any other components is outside our scope. I clearly note in my default comment about the furnace's operation that only the front access cover was removed and internal components, heat exchangers, return/duct sizing, etc. is outside the scope. I also note that the unit was only operated using normal operation controls (ie, thermostat). Even if we can see the the heat exchanger (on older models), we can probably only see a very little part of it. Telling the client 'no cracks were visible' only gives part of the story. Recommend a thorough clean/service of the system if no service records are present from the past 12 months.

I reported on a condition where the original attic insulation was loose fill cellulose (approx. 6"). The seller then added faced fiberglass insulation on top of that, with the vapor barrier now sandwiched b/w the loose fill and batt insulation. I called the issue out due to the vapor barrier. As you know, vapor barriers, if used, should be installed against the warm (winter) side which would be against the upper level ceiling. The listing agent is balking at my reporting this. A builder the listing agent talked to says it's not a problem. I told the listing agent that if additional insulation was to be added over the original loose fill cellulose, the seller should have either used: 1. Additional loose fill 2. Unfaced fiberglass I can't find anything relating to my issue in the IRC about not installing vapor barriers b/w layers of insulation. Can anyone out there help? Thanks.

Like the vast majority of home inspectors and electricians, I always also recommend FPE panels be replaced. I see them fairly often in my travels. Why on earth try to repair something that has such a well documented history of being a hazard?? As noted above, NJ has officially put on record that they know of the issue. I still read stories of house fires being linked to the FPE panels, one as recently as a few months ago. Most of the FPE panels I see have a hornets nest of wiring in them, so I don't think that, in most circumstances, one could even easily installed another terminal bar without removing a lot of the wiring first. Judy, something just sounds strange with your post and the fact that the condo assn wants this 'repair' done. Something just doesn't sounds right. The panel should be REPLACED not amended.

Ironicly, the overflow pipe at this morning's inspection was PVC. When it's white, I always look closer to see if it says it's rated for T&P. Virtually none of the ones I ever run across say that but are just plain PVC. I always write 'em up.

Yesterday I inspected a mobile home that the seller had just replaced the rear deck. The service disconnect and main panel/meter are in the yard and this bozo built the deck around the panel. I measured 18" width access to the panel between the two sections of the deck. The seller also claims he got a permit. I'd attach a photo but I don't see a way to do that in a reply...

Thanks Jim. Can most HVAC contractors install these or is it a specialty?

I see algae pretty often in my area and I do note this in my report. I classify the algae staining as mostly cosmetic, although moss growth can damage over time. I've also never heard of an insurance company caring about mildew/algae on a roof. When I see algae, I verbally suggest a product such as Roof Reviver which works well in cleaning this stuff off gradually, and also mention that when it comes time to re-shingle, thet may want to use an "AR" shingle.

I saw something very similar to that gas fired floor furnace (from the OP) a few weeks ago.. was also probably 40+ years old. I turned it on and all the smoke detectors went off, I think, because of dust falling into the unit. I didn't see a tag showing any manufacturer though. Recommended clean/service and full inspection by HVAC. No ductwork in the home, so replacing it with a modern unit may be tough.

Funny thing.. I saw another corrugated drain pipe yesterday under a kitchen sink... used the same verbiage I used the day before.. almost word for word from Kurt's post.

I have verbiage in my report at the start of the plumbing category in my report that says underground plumbing pipes are out of view and are, therefore, outside the scope of the inspection. You can't inspect what you can't see. Copper drains were fairly common in the 50s and 60s if I recall. Stuff happens..

Nice "S" trap.. it won't trap water but may trap a clog.

My thoughts exactly. Thanks guys. Gotta love what some people try to do and pass off as DIY work.

Ran into this plumbing trap under a pedestal sink today. Due to the small opening in the rear of the pedestal, whomever installed this one had little room to work since the drain line comes up through the floor and not out into the wall. Not sure what to say about it other than it looks wrong. I would guess that the corregated section will probably be more likely to allow for clogs. Never saw one like this one. What are your thoughts? Click to Enlarge 25.86 KB

I wouldn't give anyone named Gromicko a cent of my money.

Correct, PVC isn't rated for hot water. I see them installed all the time, however, and write them up all the time.

Right, and I don't want to get a call after the buyer moves in and he, his wife, and 2 kids are sitting in the dark because one had a hair dryer on, one had the flat screen TV on, one was on the computer, and the 4th was playing video games and the breakers keep tripping. I have a duty to my client to warn him now of the inadequacy of that electrical system.

When I see knob and tube I note that in the report as I've heard of several past clients finding out late in the game that they cant insurance covered.. I know Erie, State Farm, etc. won't do knob and tube. To cover my butt and protect my clients, I report on knob and tube onsite and in the report. Some of the rooms had no receptacles and only a ceiling light. I would call that inadequate for today's needs. I guess the lack of 240 Volt circuits isn't really an issue, as you mention.

OK, you gotta say it in Cliff Klaven's voice... "it's a little known fact that some Illinois towns only allow 12 AWG copper Romex or bigger now..."

The home I inspected this morning had a brand new service panel (installed last week) with new 100 Amp/240 Volt service. I found a box of fuses on the floor under the panel, so I am assuming the new panel replaced an old fuse box. I found no sticker from the electrician or boro inspection on the cover; many areas around here require this. None of the breakers were labeled. I open the cover and notice only three 15 Amp branch/120 Volt circuits inside. The home was built in 1927 and had 3 bedrooms, 1 bath. Why on earth would an electrician install a new service panel and leave the home wired with only three 15 Amp branch circuits?!? The guy even ran knob and tube into the panel.. can't say I've ever seen that done. It's normally junctioned to Romex/NM and then the Romex/NM is fed into the panel. In the report, I reported the system as "grossly inadequate for modern electrical needs" and recommend consulting a different licensed and qualified electrician to evaluate the home's electrical system and make needed upgrades for modern usage. No 240 Volt circuits for laundry, range, A/C, etc. The home had gas appliances, but what about planning for the future? Am I missing something?

You gotta love some of the DIY work we all see in this business.

Thanks. I typically go into any of 5 PA counties. I guess I'll have to make some phone calls tomorrow.