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Bill Kibbel

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  1. Bill Kibbel
    Yesterday's Inspection: According to the research of Arlene Puentes, (a friend and colleague from Kingston, NY) it doesn’t matter. She also notes that the height adjusting screw must be disabled after installation by encasing in concrete, welding or destroying the threads. www.octoberhome.com/draft/adjustcolumn.html
  2. Bill Kibbel
    Wife insists on top. Around here it depends on the municipality. Some don't permit them. Some require welding of the pins and threads.
  3. Bill Kibbel
    Is the 100 amp rating from the panel manufacturer's label or is the main breaker 100 amps?
  4. Bill Kibbel
    I don't have boilerplate for chimneys. I also very rarely defer to a chimney sweep. Around here, many take every opportunity to sell major repairs or complete rebuilds when it is absolutely unnecessary. I've also seen their repairs. Many old chimneys become completely useless when inappropriate types of liners are installed. A majority of the time, I get a pretty good view from the top and the bottom with only minor disassembly. I've also made it a point to learn everything I can about chimneys. There have been many occasions when I have disputed the findings of those "certified" that others are recommending to their clients.
  5. Bill Kibbel
    Chad, I see quite a few of them here but they are considered a single appliance. As Jim's quote states, and from other sources, it is prohibited to connect any other appliance to a vent or chimney flue serving a solid-fuel-burning appliance. At least three times a week I see a retrofit oil fired system that has the flue connector tapped into an existing, active fireplace flue.
  6. Bill Kibbel
    I know of no restriction on the amount of devices downstream other than maybe the manufacturer's. How many "GFCI Protected Outlet" stickers came in the box? [] The only downstream issue I have encountered was excessive length of circuit = nuisance tripping.
  7. Bill Kibbel
    I know the 2 cities I'm between (NY & Phila) have cast iron mains still in use. Unlined cast iron was common until the 1930's. Up until 1970's cement lined cast iron was typically installed. I would guess that many old eastern cities still have some cast iron in their distribution system.
  8. Bill Kibbel
    I think it's okay for use on hot water lines. I've seen it on hydro-massage tub tubing. I would think that any pvc solvent would have to meet the ASTM standard. Occasionally, I have to relieve my brain of useless knowledge to make room for new important stuff. Besides, you axed.
  9. Bill Kibbel
    I wouldn't immediately suspect foundation issues unless the floors are sloping from interior bearing locations to the exterior walls. The most common cause would be deflection of suspended floor structures. Could also be poor installation or loose hinges. If Masonite doors are stored in a damp location prior to being installed, they can be pretty twisted too. Isn't Moody between Wells Beach and Kennebunkport?
  10. Bill Kibbel
    I found the article from the December Reporter online about HBIA and thought I would post it here for those that don't receive it. Please note Mitenbuler's photography skills. www.orangegrovemedia.com/HistoricBuildings.pdf
  11. Bill Kibbel
    In my experience (depending on water quality) anywhere from 45 to 60 years. I've read more than once that it is supposed to be 30 to 50. The kitchen drain always fails first. Drains usually fail from wall loss. Supply pipes usually fail from restricted flow. Rapid setting for damp/wet applications. It's usually used for pools and irrigation. I think it's acceptable for all classes and schedules. Latin- Plumbum, for lead. When indoor plumbing was first introduced, it was all lead. The craft of installing pipes was called "plumbery". "Plumb crazy" we now know is lead poisoning. You can pronounce the "b" if you like. Y'all talk funny down there anyway.
  12. Bill Kibbel
    Vicky, While I agree with the above sentiments regarding leftover building materials, I just want to mention some insulation has what can be described as a "chemical" odor. When you first cut open a bundle of kraft faced fiberglass, there is a strong asphalt odor. The smell is identical to hot tar being applied to a roof. Asphalt is used to adhere the facing to the fiberglass.
  13. Bill Kibbel
    Brian, No photos yet, but here's some general info. By 1915, rolled roofing coated with granulated stone, around since 1900, began being cut into individual shingles and was widely available by 1920. Common dimensions were 12x12 or 16x16. The "Dutch lap" was common as well as interlocking tabs or clips to secure the shingles against wind-lift. By 1950, self sealing tab shingles dominated the market.
  14. Bill Kibbel
    OMG! Those octopi still in use? I see ancient boilers daily, but I've never seen furnaces that old still in use. http://%20uploads/inspecthistoric/2005828154456_P3010001.JPG%20
  15. Bill Kibbel
    John, 250,000 is amazing. I replace my vehicle every 3-4 years so I've never even seen 100,000. This will be #7 since starting my HI career. Donald, Thank you for that testimonial. That gives me some confidence in its reliability.
  16. Bill Kibbel
    Well, I've looked at a lot of suv's this week and have done some research (4 previous clients own dealerships). I'm considering a Chevy Trailblazer. I heard they had many electronic problems in the early models, but haven't seen anything horrible about recent ones. I have owned 2 Blazers early in my career. Anyone know anything good or bad about these? I have an '05 on hold so I can have the weekend to think it over. http://uploads/inspecthistoric/2005826122457_chevytb.JPG
  17. Bill Kibbel
    Actually, I did check it out, but it only has a 3.5L 220 hp. Their ads need a catch phrase like: Hummer Lite or A Real Hummer's Little Brother. The popular mid size suvs with Japanese names all have 4.0L 270-275hp with the same mpg or better. I'll look into Jim's suggestions. I'm just concerned about the distance of the cross bars on some of the smaller models. I don't want a 32" ladder acting like a see-saw. Regarding Aerocell and Sprinter, I said I wanted to DOWNSIZE, not buy something you can fit an SUV into!
  18. Bill Kibbel
    Joe, That's amazing that you recognized that building. Unless it's really historically significant, I can't remember a building I have previously inspected when I'm standing in it.
  19. Bill Kibbel
    Been there, done that! I usually speak to the owner with vigor using comments like: "Good thing I discovered that now. Imagine what would happen when _____ failed when I'm not here." I've probably had these "failed while operating" experiences about ten times in 19 years. Handled all of them except for a plastic shower head that broke off in my hand. I replaced it with the same model about 1.5 hours after the inspection.
  20. Bill Kibbel
    I found this topic as I've been doing some research. I've decided it's time to downsize. I need to go back to 4wd and I've been pumping in $75.00 every third work day. I'm considering a mid size suv. Any suggestions for one with reasonable mpg that can handle ladders? I'll miss my office on wheels.
  21. Bill Kibbel
    Unless our resident Architect from NJ corrects me, I would call it cross gabled with a hipped extension over the porch.
  22. Bill Kibbel
    "It's too cold to test the air conditioning system".
  23. Bill Kibbel
    Eric, I come across it pretty regularly. It's usually an interior renovation that takes out most of the chimney. They usually don't want to remove the exterior portion as it would break the symmetry, or they're waiting for the next re-roof. The "temporary" structures added to support them are rarely adequate.
  24. Bill Kibbel
    I can't - I'm happily married and my wife is still attractive. This is what I have for Trane. The first letter of the serial number gives the year of manufacture: Z=01 R=00 P=99 N=98 M=97 L=96 K=95 J=94 H=93 G=92 F=91 E=90 D=89 C=88 B=87 S=86 Y=85 X=84 W=83 U=82(seventh digit) T=81(seventh digit) O,A=80(seventh digit)
  25. Bill Kibbel

    Iced AC coil

    Bill Kibbel replied to kurt's topic in HVAC Forum

    Inadequate return air flow. If I had the time, I'd try to melt the ice by running the heat and then measure air flow at each return vent. I'll bet a big chunk of the return ain't working. Disclaimer- One of the times I did this, the melting ice flooded the system and shorted the controls. Owners were pissed.
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