How to flush a water heater
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Home Inspection Tips
one p-trap to rule them all…
The pipes under your sinks have some very important jobs. One is to effectively drain the water from the faucet, and another is to keep sewer gases from entering your home. The issues in the picture on the left are the flex piping (1) which has a high rate of clogging, and (2 & 3)
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Demo Days
We love the smell of plaster dust in the morning (ok, not really). Back in the day, we discovered early on that demo days could be strangely therapeutic – all that smashing and punching and no one gets hurt. That is, until the inevitable until-then-unknown problem arises. Then the wallet begins to hurt a bit.
HOME INSPECTION TIPS FOR BUYERS
Watch this short video for some great insights and reasons why getting a home inspection before you buy or sell is so important (for buyers AND sellers!).
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STANDING WATER PROBLEMS
NO DIVING ALLOWED – This standing water at the edge of the home’s foundation is a big no-no. It can seep into the foundation walls, lead to wood decay, and is a breeding ground for insects. This particular area should be filled in with soil (plant a shrub!), landscaping rocks, or other material to prevent
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TIPS FOR YOUR ROOF
The rubber collar (or flashing) around vent pipes on your roof degrades over time. This one has a big hole in it and isn’t properly sealed – and guess where the rain water goes? Right into your attic (or bonus room!). Have your roof inspected if it’s been awhile – your attic and 2nd floor
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MOISTURE IN YOUR CRAWL SPACE
With all this rain in NC, it’s a good time to head to your crawl space and check for moisture. If you see white salt deposits (efflorescence) and damp corners like in this photo, it means your foundation has been cyclically wet and dry. Direct water penetration damages the foundation, the wood structure, and creates
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Downspout Dilemmas
UH-OH. The downspout is disconnected from the gutter – very easy to miss! This will cause water damage to the siding and foundation if not fixed. Proper drainage is just one of the many items a good inspector (like Rick!) looks for.
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HVAC TIP FOR FALL
Don’t let leaves and mulch pile up near your outdoor HVAC units. They can get clogged up at the intake vent, where the air filter goes. For an HVAC system to run as smoothly as possible, air should be able to flow unimpeded.
STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY
Don’t step on a crack or … Actually, this is a vertical crack. IN THE FOUNDATION. Keep your eyes peeled for tell-tale signs like this that could affect the stability of your current or prospective home. When walking around the exterior of the home and when looking inside the crawlspace (if you can get in
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