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Drain, Drain Go Away (But not that way!)

By
Home Inspector with Home Inspector for ASPEC Residential Services, LLC

You may have heard the ole' plumbers saying that all shi... well, in this case, we'll use ship... runs downhill. As you can see in the pictures, it would be hard for anything to run downhill (including all of the wonderful things that wastewater includes), when the drain pipe is running uphill. Drains also need to be properly supported to the structure. 

All poop runs uphill? All poop runs uphill?

Although draining at the inspection, it will be a matter of time before these drains plug up.  The "water" portion of wastewater may drain out, but the "waste" portion, or solids, will have a harder time draining (if at all), and will eventually block/plug the pipe causing the drain to back up - never a pleasant thing. Drains usually have to have a certain percentage of slope, which varies with jurisdictions, but usually around ¼" per foot of pipe is ideal. Now during an inspection, I'll test the water under normal inspection protocols.  I don't bring the latest issue of Sports Illustrated into the master bath and "take a load off" so to speak, to test the toilet/drain.  Nor do I test drains by adding hair, small toys, earrings, corn, excessive toilet paper, etc. - all everyday things that may find their way into a drain and lead to problems (especially if you have kids or a spouse with long hair).  Again, this is the epitome of poor plumbing workmanship and I can confidently guarantee there will be problems if not corrected. On the bright side, its people that do this kind of work that makes my job worthwhile and another reason a home inspection is always needed. 

Jack Gilleland
Home Inspection and Investor Services, Clayton - Clayton, OH

Josh you sure can tell you have small kids by the list of things in the toilet.  My son, when he was little, launched Matchbox cars as submarines and then was disappointed when they didn't come back.

Check the world record, that might be the world's largest trap.  How did they get the glue joint to hold on that toilet bend, talent I guess.

Jan 13, 2009 05:30 AM
Richard Ives
Chicago, IL

Great post Josh.  Thanks for sharing.

Happy New Year.

Jan 13, 2009 08:09 AM
Anonymous
Peter

Taking pictures under your house again, eh Fred?

Jan 13, 2009 11:27 AM
#3
Jim Allhiser
Perfection Inspection, Inc. - Salem, OR
Salem, Oregon Home Inspector

Josh,  Too funny!  I guess it was just too much work to do it right.

Jan 13, 2009 01:31 PM
Joshua Frederick
Home Inspector for ASPEC Residential Services, LLC - Defiance, OH
Home Inspector in Defiance & all of Northwest Ohio

Jack:  LOL.  Glad my 3 yr. old can't read this yet because he might get a new idea for all his Matchbox cars.

Richard:   Thanks for commenting and a Happy New Year to you as well.

Peter:  Actually these are pics from under your new addition.  Who was the plumber again?

Jim:  Too much work and not enough brain.  Thanks for the comment.

 

Jan 13, 2009 11:13 PM
Scott Williams
Realty Five of Defiance - Defiance, OH
Defiance, OH

Josh, I love seeing picts like this.  They just crack me up.  They don't make me so happy when it's my buyer's or seller's house, but...Anyway I hope you saw my post about you.  My buyers loved your work!  Good post.

Jan 25, 2009 06:57 AM
Joshua Frederick
Home Inspector for ASPEC Residential Services, LLC - Defiance, OH
Home Inspector in Defiance & all of Northwest Ohio

Hey Scott,

Never a good thing when things like this exist in the home.  And yes, I saw the post, very much appreciated and I'm glad your clients were happy. 

Hope your 2009 is bringing you much happiness & success.  Until next time..... 

 

Jan 25, 2009 10:04 PM
Not a real person
San Diego, CA

Hey, Josh. I think you're just looking at the picture the wrong way. Instead of looking at the drain from right to left, look at it from left to right and it's probably okay -- LOL.

Feb 06, 2009 01:19 PM
Joshua Frederick
Home Inspector for ASPEC Residential Services, LLC - Defiance, OH
Home Inspector in Defiance & all of Northwest Ohio

Russel:  Thanks for the tip.  It'll save my clients some $ when they don't have to pay the high priced plumbers.

Feb 08, 2009 12:59 AM
Joshua Frederick
Home Inspector for ASPEC Residential Services, LLC - Defiance, OH
Home Inspector in Defiance & all of Northwest Ohio

And yet another one.

This way up

Apr 16, 2009 09:54 AM