Forget Code: CSST gas lines need bonding to reduce the risk of a fire. - 08/28/12 03:08 AM
If you own a newer home or you've recently had gas lines added to your home, there's a good possibility that Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing, or CSST, was used.  This is a relatively new material that is approved for the distribution of natural gas inside of homes.  The best analogy I can think of to describe this material is that CSST is to steel gas pipes what PEX is to copper tubing, or Romex® is to rigid metal conduit.
CSST needs to be bonded.  The most common issue that home inspectors find with CSST is a system that hasn't been properly bonded. … (16 comments)

Stinky Laundry Room? Stinky Bathroom? Check Your Traps. - 08/22/12 03:44 AM
Have you noticed any foul odors in your basement that you just can't get to the bottom of?  It might be sewer gases coming in to your home.  Every plumbing fixture needs to be equipped with a trap, which is basically a dip in a pipe that water fills up.  This water sitting in the trap is what prevents sewer gases from coming in to your home.  The photo below shows a "P-trap" - this is the type of trap you'll find below sinks, showers, and bath tubs.

Toilets have their own built in traps, and so do floor drains.  The … (32 comments)

Dryer Transition Ducts, Lint, and Fires - 08/14/12 05:14 AM
Last week I blogged about clothes dryer ducts, and this week I'm going to follow up with information on dryer transition ducts.  As I mentioned last week, a dryer transition duct is the flexible material that can be used to transition between the dryer and the duct.  Transition ducts should be used sparingly, stretched tight, not smashed, and replaced periodically.    They're allowed by the Minnesota State Mechanical Code, but they can't be any longer than 8', and they need to be listed and labeled for the application.  The key word is listed.   If a dryer transition duct is listed, you'll find the "UL" logo somewhere on the … (44 comments)

Clothes dryers, lint, and fires - 08/07/12 03:13 AM
According to Underwriters Laboratories, clothes dryers are responsible for approximately 15,000 home fires each year.    It's not hard to believe.  Improperly installed and improperly maintained clothes dryer ducts are one of the most common issues that home inspectors find, but it's not that difficult to keep your clothes dryer safe.  Today I'll discuss dryer duct installations and maintenance.
Installation In Minnesota, the installation requirements for clothes dryer ducts can be found in Section 504 of the Minnesota Mechanical Code.   I won't go over all of the requirements, but I will mention a few of the items that most people have questions … (44 comments)