Neal Lewis

Do you hear the noise when the valve is being opened or closed? If you get the noise when opening a valve, I would say the valve washer is loose and rattling against the seat.

That cap looks like it's meant for a hand to grab and turn. Most valves that I see on the top of well heads look different than that. A well contractor told me if water is coming out of that valve from an artesian condition, it could cause a problem with freezing and damaging the well head.

Yes, I check to see if the tandem breakers are allowed in a particular panel. I'm not too concerned about the location of the tandem according to the panel diagram, but whether too many total breakers are installed. I would consider the quad breaker in the pic as two hand movements, installed in the upper section of that split bus panel (2 40 volt section)

I would'nt take that bet, Swampy. Out of a gazillion A/C's inspected, that's a first for me. What if the fan/motor was just replaced the wrong way recently, even though the condenser is old? I would say it's at least worth a telephone call to a HVAC guy, without a service charge.

Older Westinghouse condenser unit. The fan was drawing air down through the top of the unit and discharging out the side colis. The condenser was a standard configuration; I doubt it was manufactured this way. The system was cooling the house. What's the implication of the fan installed upside down? The only thing I can think of is that it may not move air as effectively.

I have done quite a few of the pre-listing inspections, but it certainly isn't the future of home inspections. If the house is in estate or the owner has no clue what the condition of the house is, there can be some value. I make it clear that the report is not to be relied on by a buyer. And what's up with calling a seller a vendor? Never heard of that in these parts.

Mark, The muffler looking thing is just the way vents are increased in size. I would be more concerned whether the chimney is unlined, judging by the age of the house.

Darren, I was talking to a municipal guy (AHJ) today to find out if requirements will change for railings. He mentioned something about changes, let out a big sigh, and said "I'm not allowed to talk about any changes". He didn't seem happy about what's to come, for some reason.

Bob, I guess you edited out the question about the grounding? The panel can be upside down, as long as the breakers operate laterally and not up/down. Definitely looks like a panel remote from the main disconnect.

Bob, why do you have three different home inspection companies on the home page?

Yeah, what is up with the need for a tiny screwdriver. I have used a screwdriver on the back of the thermostat to temporarily bend the device to activate the fan. I assume this device is some type of bimetal switch.

That method works great in the winter, but is not good this time of year. As much as we notify people about closed house conditions, windows are usually open when we arrive. Then we have to do a 4 day test, which would mean a third trip back to the house.

If you are using a charcoal can, there is still the return trip to pick it up and mail it. Les, do mean you train the realtors to pick it up?

The fastest way is to take a grab sample. We used to do that type of testing after installing mitigation systems. That testing was banned with the radon licensing in 1990.

I think Chad's got it. The rating for 1/3 horsepower is interesting. Maybe the pump part of it was located in the basement at one time?

Mike, did you walk on that steep section at the right side?

"I lost everything I ever had and I've lost everything I ever wanted to have and everything I ever tried to have -- before I even had it," Daniel said. Wow, that's quite a comment. Chris, that wouldn't have happened here on the East Coast. The house would've been only 3 inches out of square

Chad, reread the original question; they are two separate "classic symptoms".

This is the first time I have seen icynene insulation installed covering the entire roof deck and raming. The only venting at the gables were blockedoff completely and the side walls were covered with icynene. Only a thin layer of original insulation in the attic floor. Not sure about a vapor barrier. Inspected the house lastweek and did not notice any moisture. Was in the attic today to check the A/C and there was a definite smell of moisture/mildew or something. Bathrooms have exhaust fans discharging to the exterior. No moisture in house and oly a minor puddle in the basement after the 8 inches of rain a week ago. I have tried to research this type of installation and have found nothing negative about it. What is your opinion about covering the wood and zero ventilation? Thanks

The real issue is that the insurance company is likely to require replacement of the fuses in order to issue a permanent policy.

Thanks Chad, now I'll remember. It's one of those words where I have a mental block in regards to the correct spelling. The it's word is misused a-lot. Five years is a pretty good track record.

Wire size used for A/C condensor unit is 12/2, common yellow Romex. Rating on unit says minimum circuit ampacity is 20.2 amps. Breaker was 30 amp, which is within max breaker size on unit. Is 12 gauge enough?

And they use a lot of electricity and have been known to seize up and catch on fire!

Chad, Do you mean a tankless coil type or an indirect like a Boilermate/Amtrol type. The indirects I've seen all have a relief valve.

Some real old water heaters did not have an opening for a relief valve. The valve was installed on the hot water piping near the tank. Same goes for old boilers.