Steven Hockstein

To add fuel to the fire, I found this online: "....ARE THERE SAFE SUBSTITUTES FOR ASBESTOS? Products like fiberglass and mineral wool are being used as substitutes or replacements for asbestos, but they are not safe substitutes. The few studies that have been done on these products so far indicate that glass fibers and non-asbestos mineral fibers (which are shaped similarly to asbestos fibers) may cause the same kind of lung scarring and cancers as asbestos. Therefore, until we learn more about the health hazards of these substances, you should limit exposure to fiberglass and rock wool just as you control exposure to asbestos. ".... Read the whole page at: www.pp.okstate.edu/ehs/kopykit/asbestos1.htm

I installed the Watchdog system yesterday. It took me about 2 hours. It was easier than I thought. The basic system cost was around $275 with a few assorted pieces of PVC. I also installed a union connection so I can easily remove the pipes for servicing. I did not use the Watchdog brand battery because I did not want to start with having to dump my own battery acid. I bought a sealed, deep cycle, marine battery and bypassed the low water warning light sensor that only works with the Watchdog Battery. I will report back in a few months and give a longer term use update.

SO here is the latest.. The battery had a CCA load test of 448. The new battery was rated at 550. We will be replacing the van in three -four months. The van is kept in the garage. No more really cold weather expected. A new battery is $75 at Costco.

On a similar subject. If anyone is involved in specifiying or installing this type of system, someone just recently gave me a good tip: When you are installing the system in a ceramic tile floor, include a second tempersature sensor in the floor at the time of initial installation. The sensors are relatively inexpensive but a pain in the ass to install after the floor is done. If the original temperature sensor fails, all you have to do is move the wiring to the other sensor.

Neal asked if there is a chance of asbestos in "Old" rockwool insulation. I remember being taught that some old rockwool insulation contains recycled materials (possibly with asbestos) and that there is no way to know for sure if there is asbestos in ANY building material without testing. There is still a lot of controversy and discussion about old rockwool and I do what I think is best for my client. If I see old rockwool, I document it in my report and note that material testing is not part of my scope of work. I recommend consulting with an asbestos expert. "Credible" or not, I would prefer not get into a battle with a client and his lawyer that specializes in litigating this stuff because even if you win, you lose. Check this out.. www.elslaw.com/asbestosproducts2.htm

Hi Neal, Yes-I always note it with a CYA comment about testing for asbestos, health hazards, etc.., you know the rest.

To clarify-I don't need 7 hours of continous pumping. My Liberty pump cycles on and off about once every five minutes during wet weather. It runs for about 10 seconds each time to empty the pit. I assume that the backup pump is not be as strong and will need to run for about three times as long. We have not lost power for more than 24 hours in the past. I guess if we have a major issue with power, I can yank one of the car batteries.

Last weekend our power went out for 7 hours and I had to connect a generator to my sump pump to prevent flooding during a bad storm. I am tired of thinking about what would happen if I was away. I have decided to install a battery backup sump pump. I don't see them that often (even though I tell my clients that it is a good investment). Any advice on the best or worst brands? I am looking at the mid-level Watchdog system with a good marine battery instead of the one that they sell. I am also considering the Liberty Pump system with a marine battery.

Thanks guys. Just needed a reality check. I know that the service reps are on a commision but just wanted to make sure I was not being penny wise and pound foolish. The problem with a "Free" inspection is that they need to find problems in order to make a living.

OK, I know this is a home inspection website but I am hoping someone can give me an answer this for me. My wife is driving a 3.5 year old Honda Minivan and the plan is to replace it this summer. She was at the dealer for an oil change yesterday and the mechanic (Salesman?) told her that her battery is "Low" and needs to be replaced. The little green indicator on the sealed battery is fine. Not that I want to jinx myself, but the battery has never been an issue. Any advice?

Conventional stick frame roofs are obsolete. Trusses are the norm. I can't figure why a builder would think stick framing is more economical than trusses. We don't see purlins around here on anything newer than the 50's, maybe the 1960's. Stick framed roofs are the norm around. I only see truss roof on "Cookie Cutter" projects where there is an economy of scale in repeating the design.

NJALPHI update... Just wanted to remind NJALPHI members and interested parties that there is a meeting today at the Westwood on North Avenue in Garwood, NJ. Come today and satisfy your NJ Radon Measurement CEU requirements. We had 99 members at the February meeting. The education seminar was on Fire and Water restoration, and cleanup methods. Total membership is well over 300!! Coalition News--NJALPHI has been actively participating in a Garden State Coalition of Home Inspector Organizations to help work together to benefit home inspectors throughout the state. Lots more seminars planned! Check out the organization website for more info, membership application and meeting schedule. www.NJALPHI.com

Exterior grade and where the pump(s) discharges to the exterior definitely affect the pit location(s). Another factor is where does it least impact the design and ease of access for servicing and inspecting, especially if a finished basement is planned. In large homes we often show more than a single pit. If there is more than one level in the basement, for obvious reasons, the lowest floor slab has to include a sump pit.

If I was the owner, I would have left the foundation and made them rebuild the whole thing further away from the house so the landing could be extended to create a safer entry door condition.

NJ has come up with a solution to this issue and it seems to be working. We have a "Rehab" Code that deals with the problem of old housing stock that is cost prohibitive to completely restore and meet current code. The cost of tearing down and rebuilding does not make economic sense for speculators and the locals can't afford to rebuild. When the the two choices were knock the house down or meet current code, many houses were just abandoned. Now if the owners or builders follow the "Rehab" code, the buildings can be saved and made safer for a lot less money. Everyone comes out ahead.

I bet if you were standing still in the room, you probably would have been painted over too! I bet every electric outlet is clogged with paint too!

You called the wrong architect or there was a lack of communication. I never heard of an architect that did not design. Sounds like you spoke to a structural engineer.

Where was the local code official during construction? Architectural plans? Be careful not to put yourself in the line of fire! Did you miss any of this stuff three years ago?

I am assuming that there are many more issues involved in this case. The cost of litigating will be substantially more than correcting the problems you have shown.

We have a stainless steel kitchenAid and it has been trouble-free for 4 years. Most importantly, it is very quiet. We used to run our old Maytag unit before we left the house because it was so loud.

In this area, a smart investor would buy that house, restore it, and make $100K profit.

More Fiber

What about all of that wacky plumbing? Looks like the plumber emptied out his leftover bin and installed all of the odds and ends in this basement.

Hi Neal, Do you know how to get on his foundation's radar? I know of a college scholarship fund that is a good cause. My boys, sorry, I mean "The Fund", would really appreciate it. Steve H.

Gary, Interesting reading. The computer seems incredible. I hope the review is accurate. I tend to be skeptical because I know someone that had a newly designed product and he "Arranged" for positive reviews to be posted on the internet (The old "Pay to Play" game). The story reminds me of the engine that my father told me was developed many years ago. The miracle engine ran efficiently on tap water and the major oil companies bought the patent to prevent it from ruining their profits. Time will tell...[:-thumbd][:-thumbu]