Sometimes the job isn't done until it's done! Some things take more than one step and this time Flipper forgot Step Two!
Step One was to install a new water heater.
And it was done well - there are a few things to look for and they were present.
Okay, it was small and really inefficient, but new!
Well, he used the old plumbing, including the gas shut-off valve being on the wrong side of the sediment trap, but we've already had that lesson.
You can see that's been there for a while!
Would he take the time to replumb the gas line and do it right? Not likely, if he even knows where that trap and valve should be placed.
But when you take the time to buy, schlep, install and plumb a new water heater, you should at least pay attention to Step Two!
THEY SIMPLY PLACED THE OLD VENT HOOD ON TOP OF THE NEW WATER HEATER AND DISREGARDED THE CONNECTION TO THE MAIN VENT STACK!
It might not be a bad idea to install a new hood and vent too! That would have been Step Two!
This water heater was functioning!
It provided hot water, which means when I turned on the dishwasher, washing machine and began testing plumbing, the burner fired up and it began producing exhaust!
Where was that exhaust going? The basement.
And what does it contain? Carbon monoxide.
So, we left the furnace room as quickly as possible after discovering this.
NOT GOOD!
So, I guess Flipper will be getting a call back for this one.
Do I think he should be the one to install the new vent assembly?
No, I don't. I would prefer to see the buyer receive money to have this done by a real plumber.
AN IMPROPER HOOD, IMPROPER SLOPE ON THE EXHAUST TUBING, IMPROPER, LEAKY CONNECTION TO THE MAIN VENT STACK AND THE SUBSEQUENT POTENTIAL FOR CARBON MONOXIDE IS NOT SOMETHING TO FOOL WITH. THIS SHOULD BE FINISHED BY A PROFESSIONAL!
Of course, all I can do is recommend. I cannot, and would not, demand that the seller or buyer do anything.
My recommendation: when things are done, supposedly by professionals, but certainly when done by a Flipper, make sure all the pieces are in place. Your life might depend upon it! Oh, and call a home inspector. Your life might depend upon it!
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