Here is some pictures of what we see everyday in the homes we inspect ...

Click on the photos to enlarge them

Venting is critical for gas appliances. This photo shows multiple problems with these connections that should be corrected to assure that there will be a proper draft.

 Most of the old Gravity "Octopus" Furnaces are seemingly designed to keep kids out of the basement. This one is an exception.  Remember to have your furnace professionally serviced before each heating season by a licensed heating contractor and install a CO gas detector test/replace batteries yearly.

    Click to see (Iggy)

Change your filter regularly! A dirty clogged air filter can cost you a dollar a day!  There are many types of filters to choose from- for people that have dust allergies they can invest in electronic air cleaners or pleated type filters. If you have allergies to Iguanas the filter here is an adequate style (click on the photo).  Remember to check/change the furnace filters regularly.  If you can not find the filter on your hot water boiler...stop looking, you don't have one.

On City Truth In Sale of Housing or Time of Sale Evaluations it will be listed as a deficiency if there are Saddle Valves installed on the water supply to a plumbing fixture or appliance. This photo shows an obsolete hook up for a clothes washer using saddle valves.  Instead of a proper Tee fitting supplying a valve, a hole was drilled into the iron pipe and these valves are clamped on.  They are prone to leak and over time the small hole will corrode and restrict water flow (hint: if your washer is very slow to fill, start at this location to troubleshoot the problem).  Other locations where saddle valves are commonly used are supplying ice makers, humidifiers and water purification units. The City of Louis Park requires all saddle valves to be replaced with proper legal fittings.

The fill spout of claw foot and other bath tubs that are below the rim, raise the concern that dirty water may back siphon into the potable water supply. Corrections mandate that the faucet valves and spout are raised above the rim of the tub.

Here is an acceptable correction. 

Not even close...

This waste line is going to drain but it has no water seal and will allow sewer gas to enter the home.  Hazardous!.

All unused or abandoned chimney openings must be sealed. Presently gas fired appliances need to vent into a metal liner. Often this is not the case and the potential exists for exhaust fumes/gas to enter the home and masonry chimneys to degrade.

New furnaces and boilers have automatic pilot light ignition.  The photo below shows a lazy way seal an old aluminum pilot light gas line.  There needs to be a proper gas cap installed and sealant used.

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    We could fill up a garage with all of the hazards we see in houses.  Keep checking back to watch what we add here.  Please e-mail us if you have any questions or comments.