Barrie Home Inspector

Home Maintenance and Tips for Home Owners

Tag: water

Energy Conservation in your Home

Heating, Home Inspection, Real Estate

Energy Conservation in your Home. Turning your home into an energy efficient house not only helps the environment but also saves you up to forty percent in your energy consumption charges. This is in comparison to the average home in North America.

Keep your furnace clean, lubricated and properly adjusted with annual maintenance. If your furnace is working at peak efficiency it will use less energy and cost less to operate. Clean or replace the filter every 1-2 months – a dirty filter reduces the airflow and forces the furnace to run longer to heat your home. Set back your thermostat when nobody is home and at night when everyone is sleeping for added savings. Heating your home constitutes your largest energy expenditure. Even a little conservation of heating fuel goes a long way toward achieving a lower utility bill. Dialing down the thermostat one degree during the winter can result in about 1 to 3 percent less fuel use, and a similar reduction in your heating bill.

When doing laundry use cold water and save from 85 to 90 percent of the energy you would normally use. Front loading machines use less water and energy, up to fifty percent. Also wash full loads to ensure you are fully utilizing energy being consumed.

You can make a lot of progress toward improving the energy efficiency in your home by simply plugging the many places through which air can get in or get out. Plugging your home is called “air sealing,” and it is one of the most important first steps to take when weatherizing your house to increase its energy efficiency.our windows and doors allow a lot of energy to escape which is costing you money. Ensure all your window frames, door frames and sills are caulked using a silicone based sealant. Make sure your heat registers are not being blocked by furniture.

Your water heater is the next largest home energy load after heating and cooling. To reduce water heating energy use ensure your water heater’s thermostat is set to 120F . Improvements such as installing low-flow faucets and shower heads, and insulating hot water pipes will also help you save money on water heating. When replacing your hot water heater consider buying an Energy Star model to ensure greater efficiency.

Air conditioners typically have a life expectancy of twenty years. Even after your unit is 10 years old you can save up to 40 percent of your efficiency by replacing your older model with newer air conditioner with a minimum SEER rating of 15.

Learn about Barrie Home Inspection Information. Stop by The Barrie Home Inspector’s site where you can find out all about the Barrie Home Inspection Services you will need.

Home Inspection – Common Deficiencies

Real Estate

Only one service should be installed for each dwelling or building. A minimum 100-amp service is needed for a single residential dwelling unit.

Home inspectors in Ontario who take online training from United States may get confused when inspecting residential garages. In Ontario only a fume barrier is required not a fire separation.

US version of basement egress windows. Basements and every sleeping room should have at least one operable emergency escape and rescue opening that opens directly into a public street, public alley, yard or court. Where basements have one or more sleeping room, an emergency egress and rescue opening should be installed for each sleeping room, but is not required in adjoining areas of the basement.

Except for basement areas, the window described in Sentence shall have a maximum sill height of 1 000 mm (3 ft 3 in) above the floor.

Notches in solid lumber joists, rafters and beams should not be longer than one-third of the depth of the member (, and should not be located in the middle third of the span. Notches at the ends of the member should not be more than one-quarter of the depth of the member . Notches located in the outer thirds of the member should not be more than one-sixth of the depth of the member.

Minimum height of chimneys should be 3 feet. The top of the chimney should extend 2 feet higher than building or roof with 10 feet. Any portion of the masonry chimney passing through building must maintain a 2 inch clearance from combustibles. This air space provides protection from radiated heat and prevents conduction to combustibles.

A masonry chimney should terminate some distance above a roof in order to provide adequate upward draft in the chimney. Masonry chimneys should extend at least 2 feet higher than any portion of the building within 10 horizontal feet. The minimum height of the chimney should be 3 feet. Any portion of a masonry chimney located in the interior of the building (such as an attic space) should have at least 2 inches of air-space clearance from combustibles. As heat is transferred through the masonry material, any combustible material in close proximity to the heated walls may reach the point of ignition. The air space helps in the dissipation of heat.

When inspecting masonry chimneys the height of chimney must be two feet higher than building or roof structure within 10 feet. The part of the masonry chimney passing through the building is required to have 2 inch clearance from any combustibles locate in building. This protects combustibles from heat transfer from conduction and helps with radiation with a 2 inch air space.

A light fixture should be installed to illuminate the passageway and the mechanical appliance. A control switch should be installed near the entry to the passageway. An electrical receptacle should be installed at or near the mechanical appliance to allow for safe and convenient maintenance and service of the appliance.

In general terms the maximum length of a dryer duct would be 25 feet. After this you would need a dryer exhaust blower installed. Every dryer manufacturer has the type of pipe and length of duct permitted in their installation instructions. It is recommended not to install screens on your exterior vent.

The length of a clothes dryer exhaust ensures that the dryer exhaust blower will be able to push sufficient air volume to take away the moist air and lint. The length can be increased only when the make and model of the dryer is known, or when an approved blower fan calculation is provided.

Many homes have home made S traps and other contraptions under their sink etc. Traps are required to be the P type and have a minimum 2 inch water seal and be attached to an approved venting system.

An appliance used for heating water or storing hot water must be protected by a relief valve. A combination temperature- and pressure-relief valve (or separate temperature-relief and pressure-relief valves) protect a water heater from explosion. They are emergency devices. They are not intended to function continuously.

Plumbers, electricians and HVAC installers have all been known to cut or notch structural supports to install their systems. This can be structurally unsound and expensive to repair.

An open vent pipe that passes through a roof should extend at least 6 inches above the roof. If snow accumulation is expected at various times, the vent height should be increased so that the vent pipe will be at least 6 inches above the anticipated snow accumulation. The height in snowy areas is often determined by the local building official based upon local information. If the roof is used for a purpose other than weather protection the vent extensions should extend above the individuals occupying the roof, at least approximately 7 feet above the roof.

The diameter of bored holes into solid lumber structural members shall not be larger than one-third the depth of the member. Bored holes should be at least 2 inches from the top or bottom edge of the structural wood member, and should be a minimum of 2 inches from any other hole or notch in the member.

Working space in front of electrical panels is a minimum of 30 inches. 36 inches in Ontario. There shall also be a minimum of 30 inches width. If panel is wider than 30 inches the work space must be sized accordingly.

As a Home Inspector knowing plumbing, electrical and building codes is definitely a benefit for the home or business owner. If you don’t know the codes how can a home inspector inform his client of potential problems or expenses.

Professional Home Inspections by Orillia Certified Home Inspections. Read what a professional home insepctor finds at Orillia Home Inspection Defects for your Peace of Mind when buying a home.

Home Improvement in Barrie

Personal Interest

Home Improvement in Barrie –  Your guide to home improvements in the Local area.

How To Add Those Special Finishing Touches For Little Or No Money

Home is, as they say, where the heart is, so it is hardly surprising that we want it to look its best. We want our homes to reflect our tastes and design ideas and for it to be a welcoming, attractive place for ourselves and our guests to enjoy.

In these times of financial pressures and focus towards austerity, many families don’t have any spare funds to put towards little extras for their home. So how can we still add those special finishing touches to our homes while spending little or no money?  Here are some suggestions.

Looking  good

If a room is looking tired and in need of decorating, you can often freshen it up by attending to the details, rather than the whole room. Try painting or varnishing the skirting boards, picture rails, door frames and windowsills to brighten things up. Sometimes, changing lampshades or cushions can have the effect of a makeover too.

Storage is a tricky subject and it can be hard in smaller houses to keep things neat and tidy. Invest in shelving that can be added to or reduced in size so that you can keep up with the state of your belongings. If children’s toys are a problem, try putting some of them away for a while, then bringing them out at a later date. Result? You will have fewer toys to store and your kids will be delighted to be reunited with old favourites once more.

Sweet smell of success

Pot pourri, incense sticks and other proprietary room fragrances can be expensive and their scents can be overpowering. Why not try wiping your favourite essential oil over the glass part of a light bulb or leaving some on a radiator in a shallow dish? When the light or radiator is switched on, the heat will diffuse the fragrance into the room.

Place some water and slices of lemon in your microwave for a few minutes. Not only will it help loosen any stuck on food for cleaning it later, the citrus smells will also turn your kitchen into an aromatic heaven.

Make do and mend

If your table is looking a bit worse for wear, there’s no need to fork out for a new one straight away. A coat of paint, varnish or wood stain will refresh it in no time. Or, if you don’t want to do that, adding a simple table runner (these can be stitched from spare fabric) will really brighten it up.

You could even add a vase of flowers too for an instant touch of spring. Place a small lump of charcoal in the water to keep it pure and fresh for longer.

If you are handy with a sewing machine, you could have a go at making your own curtains. This will work out cheaper than purchasing off-the-peg ones, and you can customize them perfectly to match the themes in your room and the size of your windows. Sew a few marbles or small weights into the hems of unlined curtain to make them hang nicely. You could even try embroidering a design onto them to make them truly unique and personal.

Basic Basement Construction

Basements

Basic Basement Construction.  Always check with Barrie Building department and apply for any required permits prior to construction. A basement is an area below the first floor with a minimum height of 6 feet 8 inches. Basements may be created using masonry blocks or poured concrete. Modern homes are typically constructed using forms and poured concrete. Many basements provide added living space, including bedrooms, bath, recreation rooms.

Basement wall damageBasements are typically the area of a structure most at risk for water damage because they are located below grade and surrounded by soil. Soil releases water it has absorbed during rain or when snow melts, and the water can end up in the basement through leaks or cracks.

The roof on your home can collect over 600 gallons per 1000 square feet after 1 inch of rain has fallen. Install and maintain gutters and downspouts so that they route all rainwater and snow melt far enough away from the foundation of the building to ensure that pooling does not occur near the walls of the structure. At least 10 feet from the building is best, and at the point where water leaves the downspout, it should be able to flow freely away from the foundation instead of back toward it, and should not be collecting in pools.

Foundation weeping tiles are actually not tiles but 6 inch diameter plastic pipe with small holes in it. Weeping tile pipe is placed against and level to the bottom of the foundation footing. Once the weeping tile pipe is completely installed, coarse gravel is placed on top and level with the top of the footing.

Newer homes basements are typically protected using a black dimpled product which is attached to perimeter of basement walls. Most home owners think this is a water proofing barrier designed to keep water away from their foundation. The wrap is actually designed to allow water to quickly drain down void, created by the dimples, and enter weeping tile. This prevents any hydraulic water build up against concrete prevent water intrusion.

Sump Pump Installation by Barrie Home InspectorA sump pump is a pump placed in the basement of a home used to pump water from the basement to the outside or drain into the home’s drainage system. Sump pumps usually work in conjunction with a sump pit, which is a hole dug in the basement of a house which collects water during a rainstorm. The pump then pumps the water out of that sump pit.. A sump pump is usually necessary either in cases where the home’s basement is below the water table level, and or when the home is located in a place where flooding is common. In Ontario a sump pump is required by Ontario Building Code and must be installed unless waived by the building official.

Home that are located in areas where a high water table exists typically will have a backup sump pump installed in case of pump failure.  Also a battery back up is sometimes used in case of power failure.   During the home inspection process these are both indicators that a high water table exists and the home owners may have had water issues in their basement.   These are only clues and cannot be the sole evidence used to indicate water issues,  but are a strong indicator that further investigation is required.

Although there are many great books and part time college courses that now teach Home Inspections,  nothing will replace experience and first hand knowledge obtained through building homes and renovation projects over a life time of inspection and construction experience.   Caveat Emptor –  Buyer Beware !

 

For actual inspection pictures of defects please visit the Barrie Home Inspector’s site

Professional Barrie Home Inspections

Home Inspection, Real Estate

Professional Barrie Home Inspections.  A home inspection is a limited, non-invasive examination of the condition of a home.  Most Real Estate companies now recommend a home inspection.  Home inspections are usually conducted by a home inspector who has the training and certifications to perform such inspections. The inspector prepares and delivers to the client a written report of findings. The client then uses the knowledge gained to make informed decisions about their pending real estate purchase. The home inspector describes the condition of the home at the time of inspection but does not guarantee future condition, efficiency, or life expectancy of systems or components.

Barrie Home InspectorA Home Inspection is a visual inspection of all the components and systems of your home.  The home inspector will operate and find items that are not functioning correctly.  When a problem is found the inspector will include a picture and description of the problem in his report.

The Barrie Home Inspector’s report will include all the pictures of any deficiencies with a detailed description. This will include reviewing condition of heating system, electrical systems, roof, attic, visibleinsulation, windows, doors, foundation and  any visible structure.  The inspection also includes a Free Thermal Imaging Scan.

The home owner should attend the home inspection when ever it is possible.  This is the opportunity to learn where all the shut offs are for furnace, hot water tank, main water shut off, electrical shut, fireplace shut off, and the main water shut  off for the home.  You, as the client,  can take this opportunity to ask questions and you will be shown any deficiencies at the time the inspector finds them, giving you a great opportunity to learn fully about the cause and effect of the deficiency.

Your home inspection report will be put on line to allow you to view the report at your leisure.  At the end of the inspection we present you a slide show of all the pictures taken and review all the deficiencies found. If you attend the inspection this will give you information about every deficiency three times, ensuring you fully understand the nature of any defects.

Barrie Home Inspections has performed over 4,000 building inspections and is highly qualified to inspect your home.  His training includes being recognized as a Certified Building Code Official with the Ontario Building Officials Association and was a Registered Builder with HUDAC.  Barrie Home Inspections was the first company in Simcoe County to perform Thermal Imaging scans as part of the home inspection process.

Home inspection by Barrie Home Inspector

Home Inspection

Home inspection by Barrie Home Inspector. A home inspection is a limited, non-invasive examination of the condition of a home, often in connection with the sale of that home. The inspector prepares and delivers to the client a written report of findings. The client then uses the knowledge and information contained in his home inspection report, to make informed decisions about the home they are purchasing. The home inspector describes the condition of the home at the time of inspection but does not guarantee future condition, efficiency, or life expectancy of systems or components.

A home inspection consists of a visual inspection of your homes major components and fixtures.  The home inspector will operate fixtures and make a note of any deficiencies.  This will all be included in a report detailing all problems found.

Your home inspection report, prepared by the Barrie Home Inspector will include a review of your heating system, electrical system, air conditioner, interior plumbing, roof, attic visible insulation, basement, foundation and any visible structure.  The inspection will also include Free Thermal Imaging scan of home.

When scheduling the home inspection it is recommended you attend the whole home inspection when possible.  This is a good opportunity to learn where all the shut offs are for furnace, hot water tank, main water shut off, electrical shut, fireplace shut off, and the main water shut  off for the home.  You can take this opportunity to ask questions and you will be shown any deficiencies at the time the inspector finds them, giving you a great opportunity to learn fully about the cause and effect of the deficiency.

A picture is worth a thousand words.  This is why we go over your report in a slide show at the end of the inspection.  We also put your report online in a fully descriptive format which gives you a picture of every defect and a brief description of problem and a recommendation on how to fix or deal with the deficiency.

Barrie Home Inspections offers a 100% Money Back Guarantee on every residential and commercial building inspection.  They also offer Free Thermal Imaging scans with every inspection.  As a Certified Building Code Official and a former Registered Builder with Hudac his experience far exceeds that of the competition.  With over 4,000 building inspections the Barrie Home inspector should be your first choice when wanting to protect your investment.

Plumbing Basics for Home Owners

Plumbing

Plumbing Basics for Home Owners.  A vent is a pipe or pipes install to provide a flow or air to or from a drainage system to provide a circulation of air within such system to protect trap seals from siphonage and back-pressure. This has a two fold purpose, one to prevent sewer gases from entering home and also to allow air into system for better drainage.

Direct venting of plumbing fixtures is permitted if a plumbing fixture is close enough (eight feet or less) to the main waste stack pipe (vent), the fixture does not usually require its own plumbing vent piping, and it is considered a direct-vented plumbing fixture.

Wet venting is using a drain from another fixture to supply adequate venting to another fixture, usually a toilet.  The theory for wet venting is that the flow in the wet vent portion of the piping will be low because there will only be one occupant in the bathroom and only one fixture being used.

Stack venting in attic

 

Plumbing smells or noises can be caused by improperly installed drains and vents.  There a many cases where improper glue and venting has resulted in sewer gas entering an unsuspecting homeowners property.  Improper use of glue, loose connections and vents not vented to exterior can all be attributed to work being performed by un-licensed workers.  Always used a trained a licensed plumber when renovating or repairing your homes plumbing system.

There are many different types of choices when it comes to plumbing your home. For water supply, there is PVC, CPVC. PEX, Galvanized Pipe, and copper. Copper and CPVC are the most popular. CPVC is the easiest to install. CPVC tubing is ideal for water supply lines. It’s easy to cut and assemble, using compression of cemented fittings. It’s durable too. Harsh water won’t harm the material, unlike copper, which will erode from acidic water.

 

That “blub blub” or “glug glug” noise you hear from a building drain might mean that there is a problem with the drain system itself, such as a partial drain blockage, a drain venting problem, a drain odor problem, or even a failing septic system.  If a gurgling sound is heard at a sink or shower drain only when a nearby toilet is flushed, or at a sink or shower when a nearby tub is draining, we’d suspect that the building drain-vent system is inadequate.

Many plumbing problems can be fixed by the homeowner and some require the expertise of a licensed trades person.  Any  plumbing supply problem should be dealt with by a professional as the cost of clean up and repair can far outweigh any savings you may incur.

Concrete – Strength in Knowledge

Basements, Exterior

Concrete – Strength in Knowledge.  Concrete is used more than any other man-made material in the world.  As of 2006, about 7.5 billion cubic meters of concrete are made each year-more than one cubic meter for every person on Earth.

In evaluating concrete problems, one of the important decisions home inspectors must make is determining whether a problem is the result of conditions that have stabilized with a low chance of continuing future problems, or whether the conditions that caused the problem are such that there is a high probability that problems will continue or worsen.

Concrete powers a US $35 billion industry, employing more than two million workers in the United States alone. More than 55,000 miles (89,000 km) of highways in the United States are paved with this material. Reinforced concrete, prestressed concrete and precast concrete are the most widely used types of concrete functional extensions in modern days.

Concrete, as the Romans knew it, was a new and revolutionary material. Laid in the shape of arches, vaults and domes, it quickly hardened into a rigid mass, free from many of the internal thrusts and strains that troubled the builders of similar structures in stone or brick.  Modern structural concrete differs from Roman concrete in two important details. First, its mix consistency is fluid and homogeneous, allowing it to be poured into forms rather than requiring hand-layering together with the placement of aggregate, which, in Roman practice, often consisted of rubble. Second, integral reinforcing steel gives modern concrete assemblies great strength in tension, whereas Roman concrete could depend only upon the strength of the concrete bonding to resist tension.

Combining water with a cementitious material forms a cement paste by the process of hydration. The cement paste glues the aggregate together, fills voids within it and allows it to flow more freely. Less waterin the cement paste will yield a stronger, more durable concrete; more water will give a freer-flowing concrete with a higher slump. Impure water used to make concrete can cause problems when setting or in causing premature failure of the structure. Hydration involves many different reactions, often occurring at the same time. As the reactions proceed, the products of the cement hydration process gradually bond together the individual sand and gravel particles and other components of the concrete, to form a solid mass.

Plastic cracking occurs prior to concrete curing. Autogenous shrinkage is caused by internal drying.  Since there is no loss of water to one exposed surface, autogenous shrinkage is more uniform than plastic shrinkage. However, tensile stresses still develop, and embedded steel can cause anomalies in an area of concrete with relatively uniform stress. These anomalies can cause variations in stress within the concrete that are relieved by cracking.  Autogenous shrinkage cracking will be shallow and is not a structural issue. The cracks may look similar to those formed during plastic shrinkage and are often propagations of cracks created during plastic shrinkage.

The advantage to inspectors in being able to accurately determine the source of cracking is in understanding whether the condition that caused the cracking has stabilized so that it is no longer likely to cause additional cracking or encourage the propagation of existing cracks. Many cracks, like those caused by concrete shrinkage, are shallow cracks caused by forces that allow conditions to stabilize relatively quickly and do not lead to structural problems. Others, like those caused by soil subsidence or changes in soil volume, are caused by forces that can continue to affect concrete for a long time. This long-term instability can continue to cause serious structural problems over the long term.

When investing in a new property it is important to have the building inspected by a qualified residential or commercial inspector.  Visit www.barrie-home-inspector.com to learn more about the Barrie Home Inspector, when purchasing Commercial or Residential Properties.  With over 4,000 inspections, experience and knowledge can help protect your investment.

Concrete – Supporting Your Home

Basements, Exterior

Concrete – Supporting Your Home. The word concrete comes from the Latin word “concretus” (meaning compact or condensed), the perfect passive participle of “concrescere”, from “con-” (together) and “crescere” (to grow).  Most information available about concrete is written for contractors, for those who design concrete mixes, and for those who perform invasive testing.

In evaluating concrete problems, one of the important decisions home inspectors must make is determining whether a problem is the result of conditions that have stabilized with a low chance of continuing future problems, or whether the conditions that caused the problem are such that there is a high probability that problems will continue or worsen.

Different factors can affect concrete and the problems that inspectors will see.  How concrete hardens, strengthens and the qualities of its surface depend on a number of things, including the properties of its constituent materials.  Although Portland cement is the most commonly used binder, pozzolans may be substituted. Pozzolans are materials that, in addition to undergoing primary hydration, undergo a secondary hydration, producing a gel that fills tiny voids between cement particles, making concrete less porous and less likely to absorb moisture or chemical solutions that can damage concrete or steel reinforcement.

The constituent materials which are included in the mix, their proportions, the order in which they are combined, the length of time and method by which they are mixed, and the length of time between mixing to placing all affect the quality of concrete. With each decision and operation, there is a chance that mistakes will be made. The environmental conditions that exist during placing, finishing and curing concrete will have an effect on how it develops. The ground and air temperatures, wind speed, cloud cover, and the absorbent qualities of the substrate will affect newly placed concrete.

When initially mixed together, Portland cement and water rapidly form a gel, formed of tangled chains of interlocking crystals. These continue to react over time, with the initially fluid gel often aiding in placement by improving workability. As the concrete sets, the chains of crystals join and form a rigid structure, gluing the aggregate particles in place. During curing, more of the cement reacts with the residual water (hydration).  This curing process develops physical and chemical properties. Among these qualities are mechanical strength, low moisture permeability and chemical and volumetric stability.

Cracks that appear before the concrete has hardened are called plastic cracks.  Plastic cracks are typically due to poor mix design, placement practices or curing methods, and may also be caused by settlement, construction movement, and excessively high rates of evaporation. Cracks that appear after concrete has hardened can have a variety of causes, and sometimes have more than one cause.

Plastic shrinkage is shrinkage caused by the loss of water to the atmosphere. Autogenous shrinkage is shrinkage that takes place with no loss of water to the atmosphere.  Autogenous shrinkage is caused by internal drying, with water being absorbed by the constituent materials in the concrete.  As the long-term chemical hydration process continues – and it can continue for many years — water in the pores within the cement paste is absorbed, and the pores are filled, to some degree, by materials produced during hydration. This process leads to decreased permeability and increased strength and durability of the cement paste. Absorption of water from the pores also causes shrinkage.

When purchasing a new property it is important to have the building inspected by a qualified residential or commercial inspector.  Trust the Barrie Home Inspector for your Residential or Commercial Inspections.  Visit www.guaranteedresidentialinspections.com for more information. As a Certified Building Code Official with over 4,000 inspections your investment will be in good hands.  Experience and knowledge can help protect your investment.

Building Basics by Angus Real Estate Agents

Basements, Exterior

Building Basics by Angus Real Estate Agents. If you are building a wall for a home addition, garage or other structure, it is important to be able to read construction drawings to identify all the dimensions for the walls which are given on the floor plan and elevation. The walls are to be laid out the same as on the floor plan, with all measurements followed exactly. The openings for doors and windows must be placed exactly. It is important that the corners be set on the foundation exactly as given on the detail drawing on the foundation plan. Taking measurements from the foundation or floor plan, and transferring those measurements to the foundation, footing or floor slab is the first step in laying out the wall.

Traditional stucco is made of lime, sand, and water. Modern stucco is made of Portland cement, sand, and water. Lime is added to increase the permeability and workability of modern stucco. Sometimes additives such as acrylics and glass fibers are added to improve the structural properties of the plaster. This is usually done with what is considered a one-coat stucco system, as opposed to the traditional three-coat method.  As a building material, stucco is a durable, attractive, and weather-resistant wall covering. It was traditionally used as both an interior and exterior finish applied in one or two thin layers directly over a solid masonry, brick or stone surface. The finish coat usually contained an integral color and was typically textured for appearance.

In the field of human-wildlife conflicts, probably the most common scenario nationwide is the squirrel in the attic.
Most people become aware that an animal is living in their attic when they hear scampering, or scratching noises above the ceiling. A wide variety of animals choose to live in the attics of buildings, from rats and mice, bats and pigeons, raccoon’s, opossums, and of course squirrels. Most of these animals will oftentimes use other areas of the home as well, from the soffits to the wall voids to the space between floors, so the attic is not the only area you’ll find critters.

A plumbing fixture could refer to a receptacle or device that is either permanently or temporarily connected to the water distribution system of the property, and which demands a supply of water.  Or the fixture could discharge waste water, liquid-suspended waste materials or sewage to the drainage system of the property.  The fixture could also require both a water supply connection and a discharge to the drainage system of the property.  Plumbing fixtures include water closets, urinals, bidets, lavatories, sinks, showers, bathtubs and floor drains.

There should be at least 15 inches of space from the center of a water closet, lavatory or bidet to any sidewall, partition, cabinet or any other obstruction. There should be at least 30 inches of space between adjacent fixtures. There should be a space of at least 21 inches in front of the water closet, lavatory or bidet to any wall, fixture or door. This clearance is for comfortable, adequate space for cleaning and use of the fixture.

A septic tank is used to hold wastewater while the wastewater’s solids and liquids separate.  The heavier solids in the wastewater, called sludge, sink to the bottom of the tank.  There it will slowly decompose.  A properly functioning septic tank will remove 75% of the suspended solids, oil and grease from the effluent.  The lighter, floatable material, called scum, rises to the surface and becomes trapped between devices at the tank’s inlet and outlet, either baffles or sanitary tees.  When wastewater enters the tank, it pushes relatively clean effluent, called “the clear zone” that located in the settling area between the scum and the sludge layers, out of the tank.

The Best Barrie Home Inspector provides visial and Thermal Imaging inspections of all major components of your home.  A small investment considering the expense of buying property.  Visit <a href=”http://www.barrie-home-inspector.com”>The Best Barrie Home Inspector’s Site</a> to arrange an inspection.

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