A classic example of that would be the way many people do their own wiring -- creating any number of fire or safety hazards. But, for that to happen, one is talking about an assertive homeowner. How about the people who do something that requires zero effort but what they do leads to a fire hazard.
I have here a photo of just such a situation. Almost everyone has seen a furnace or a water heater with a B-vent. That vent lets the exhaust out of the gas burning appliance.
I see the paper manuals for the furnace, in plastic bags, behind those vents all the time. What people do not realize is that a B-vent gets hot -- 300 degrees. Case in point below.
When I tried to pull the bag out from behind the vent -- guess what? It was melted to the metal B-vent. Another careless scenario consists of people running the B-vent up through a circular hole in a wood shelf. Then you might find paper towels, the shelf, spray cans and you name it, resting on the metal vent. People need to be told that this vent is not like the vacuum cleaner hose. A B-vent, with combustibles nearby can lead to a fire.
Steven L. Smith
Bellingham WA Home Inspections
Comments (13)Subscribe to CommentsComment