Sump Pump Selection: What Size, Type & Backup System Do You Need?

I’ve seen many improper attempts at plumbing repairs while inspecting houses. In fact, many of the houses I inspect have at least one piping joint that has been “repaired” with what I would refer to as only a temporary bandaid fix.

Putty, Teflon tape, caulk, and spray foam are all popular options for people who attempt to stop a leak – especially in drain piping. This seems logical since these products are all either designed to aid in water sealing or are water resistant. Needless to say, though, while they may slow or stop a leak for a while, they are not likely to hold up long-term and are not a proper repair.

Instead of temporary half measures, you are far better off repairing the leak properly and more permanently. Of course, this does mean a little more work, time and expense, but you will be very glad you fixed the leak the right way since you won’t have to worry about the leak creeping up again at some point (and likely a while before you realize it’s resurfaced).

In most cases, the proper and best way to repair a leak is to replace the leaking section of piping. Often times, a joint simply needs tightened, in which case replacement is unnecessary and the repair is simple; but if that’s not the case, replacement is usually the best method. Fortunately, a wide array of pipe fittings and connections are available (and at an affordable price) to make replacement less difficult and costly than it sounds. Even joining different types of piping together is usually a simple process thanks to products like Fernco “no-hub” fittings that boast a very simple yet effective design.

While waste pipe fixes are normally pretty simple, it is still best to call in a qualified and reputable plumber if you aren’t experienced enough or completely comfortable performing the repair on your own. Just be sure that you repair leaks the right way no matter how tempting a simple but less effective solution may be.

*To visit our main website, go to http://www.hillinspections.com

If you’ve done any building, repair work or have worked on vehicles, you know the phrase “the right tool for the job” is very true. We inspectors carry and use several tools for our job that many people don’t even know exist. One of those tools is a moisture meter, and I’d like to take a moment to discuss these handy tools and what makes them one of the several “right tools for the job” of home inspecting.

Moisture meters come in two main varieties: pinned and pinless. As their names suggest, pinned moisture meters have pins and pinless models do not. In either case, these meters measure electrical resistance and convert the reading into a moisture content percentage (%MC) of the area of the material being tested. The wetter the material, the less the electrical resistance and the higher the moisture percentage; the dryer the material, the greater the electrical resistance and the lower the moisture percentage.

As you may have guessed, there are two types of moisture meters for a reason. Pinned meters are excellent when a material can be probed with the pins. When leaving small holes in the material is either undesireable or unacceptable, a pinless meter is the best option. If moisture is suspected on wood framing, inserting a pinned meter is a great option; but if moisture is apparent on drywall and the pins would leave unsightly holes, a non-invasive pinless meter is a better bet.

Pinned meters are very good at measuring the moisture content of small, specific areas since the pins probe only those spots. Pinned meters can also detect moisture content in a material to a depth since the pins can be pushed deeper into the material. Pinless meters are capable of measuring the moisture content of larger areas at a time (although the area measured is still small) and they cannot penetrate materials to test internal moisture levels like a pinned meter can.

Many moisture meters can even be set to test on different materials, such as wood or drywall. If the meter is of high quality, it can typically adjust its MC reading fairly accurately taking different materials into account. This, of course, allows for a more true and accurate reading.

Despite their value, most homeowners are not likely to purchase moisture meters, but they are very innovative and helpful tools for those of us in the inspection industry and for anyone in need of a way to measure the moisture content of different materials.

If you have frequent moisture issues or areas that appear to be damp but you aren’t sure, you may want to consider purchasing a decent quality moisture meter for yourself to be able to perform periodic testing. Of course, your best bet is to hire a professional inspector who uses these tools often and knows them well to thoroughly inspect for moisture intrusion problems. In any case, moisture meters are important tools of the inspection trade (and other trades) that can reveal some very important information that property owners benefit from knowing.

*To visit our main website, go to http://www.hillinspections.com

A while back, I had to tackle the tough and messy job (along with the help of a professional plumber friend) of replacing our old cast iron waste stack. A leak had formed and, needless to say, the cast iron needed replaced immediately since we didn’t welcome the thought of sewage behind our wall and in our basement, and the leak would only continue to get worse.

I see cast iron waste stacks in older homes often while performing inspections. Cast iron used to be a popular choice for waste piping prior to plastic, and some people even still choose to have it installed. One main benefit to cast iron is that, unlike plastic, it is very quiet. You likely wouldn’t even know when water is flowing through it. In addition, cast iron waste stacks have great longevity. The one I replaced in my own home lasted 120 years before it needed replaced.

Unfortunately, though, cast iron also has some major downsides. The metal rots from the inside, so there is generally no way to tell when the piping is corroded until a hole has formed through the exterior and it is too late to make a repair. And if a hole has formed, it is likely that the rest of the pipe’s interior is also heavily corroded. In addition – as you might imagine – cast iron is quite expensive, so it is cost-prohibitive for many people.

If you are building a house with an ample budget and are considering cast iron for its benefits, rest assured that the piping will last well beyond when you would need it to. But if, like many people, you have an old cast iron stack in an older home, be sure to keep a close eye on it since problems can creep up unexpectedly. If you do find yourself in the unfortunate situation of having to replace your cast iron stack, I would definitely recommend leaving the job to a qualified plumber and opting for plastic piping (PVC or ABS) since it is much cheaper and will also last a long time.

All in all, plastic piping is really the preferred choice for most newer homes and repairs nowadays… and for good reason. If you have a cast iron waste stack that isn’t too old and is still functioning fine, there is no immediate need to replace it; but if problems start to arise (as they inevitably will at some point) be sure to get on it quickly and to have the job done professionally.

*To visit our main website, go to http://www.hillinspections.com

Doors and windows are notoriously difficult to install properly. Many contractors sub them out to other experts to avoid having to deal with the exactness that’s required for proper installation. Even prehung doors, which you would assume would be simple to install, can prove quite difficult when getting the door perfect is a must.

Fortunately, a very simple solution has been developed that makes hanging doors not only easier, but a piece of cake. I normally don’t promote any certain name-brand products, but I have used this particular product several times and am confident it would be a very valuable product for homeowners and DIYers to know about.

The product is called “EZ-Hang” door brackets and is available at Home Depot, online, and likely in several other stores. The EZ-Hang system really does make a door “easy to hang,” as its name suggests. A packet comes with several triangle shaped brackets to use on one door and the small packet is very inexpensive. The brackets get mounted (screwed) to the prehung door frame directly behind the hinges (where the most support is needed), and each bracket has several grooves. After mounting the brackets, you simply draw a plumb line (vertically level) along the wood stud that the brackets will mount to and screw on each bracket, ensuring that the plumb line you drew goes through the same groove on each bracket. This ensures that the hinged side of the door is plumb. From there, you simply adjust the other side of the door as needed for a good fit, mount brackets on the other side, and screw the rest of the framing in place making sure that the door shuts properly with an even “reveal” around the perimeter.

The EZ-Hang system is extremely quick, inexpensive, reliable, and – best of all – requires no shims or other tedious adjustments. Virtually anyone can install a prehung door with the simple brackets, making what was once a difficult task best left to the pros a surprisingly easy job.

To learn more about the EZ-Hang system, search the product on YouTube or visit the main website at http://www.ezhangdoor.com.

*To visit our main website, go to http://www.hillinspections.com

When you’re a homeowner, it definitely pays to be handy. When I use that term, I don’t mean that you should know all the ins and outs of construction, repair work and building science, but rather that it helps a great deal to at least know some basics.

Years ago, I came up with an idea that I’m sure many others have had, and it paid off in dividends. Recognizing that there was a good bit I didn’t know about building and making repairs, I struck a deal with two friends of mine who jointly owned a reputable contracting business. I offered to provide them with free help on jobs I wanted to learn more about in exchange for their education and expertise along the way. It was a win-win: they got a free helping hand, while I got a free education on jobs I wasn’t yet completely confident doing on my own. Needless to say, they gladly accepted my offer.

I didn’t accompany them on every job since I was already pretty “handy,” but I did tag along any time they were tackling a project that I had little or no experience with. Fortunately, they were excellent teachers and took the time to explain things as we worked and ensured I had a solid understanding.

While some people seem to have a natural talent for building and repair work, no one becomes handy without a good deal of training, trial and error and dedication along the way. If you’ve grown up learning the ropes you are certainly at an advantage; but if you’re like most people and enter homeownership with a low skill level and need to call in expensive professionals for every little job, you would certainly benefit from learning some basic home repair and maintenance skills. Not only will you develop a strong sense of pride; you’ll also save a lot of money!

You may know a good contractor who would be happy to strike a deal with you similar to the one I struck with my friends. If not, even videos on websites like YouTube can be very helpful in today’s technology driven age. There are how-to videos for virtually everything you could imagine. Still, nothing can replace the value of actual hands-on experience under the supervision of an experienced professional.

If you’re a homeowner, consider taking action to improve your skill level with maintaining your home. Reach out to others for guidance, watch videos, read articles, and do whatever else you can to become as handy as possible. You’ll find that it’s easier than you think, and the sense of pride and financial savings you’ll experience will be well worth the time you invest.

*To visit our main website, go to http://www.hillinspections.com