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Inspection Photo of the Day...

By TeamCHI - Complete Home Inspections, Inc.

Home Inspector with Complete Home Inspections, Inc. TN Lic#050

April 14, 2010 11:22 PM

Inspection Photo of the Day...

     The dreaded S-trap lurking under the sink or basin will certainly show up in an inspection report, provided that the inspector is on the ball. While certainly not a deal killer, these serpentine slip-joints, slithering under your sink can raise a real stink.
     Under the right conditions, these can siphon dry allowing sewer gases to enter the property. While I typically see these in rehabbed properties, such as the property I inspected in the Nashville real estate market, I have also seen these in newer construction.
     The repair can be quite simple. Install a air admittance valve above the entry point to break the siphon effect. The cost of installing one of these should not suck your wallet dry, so call around and get some quotes. Competent handymen will often be less expensive than plumbers...

Typical S-Trap

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Kenneth Cole

Weichert Realtors Appleseed Group, 2043 Richmond Ave. S.I.N.Y. 10314. office phone 718-698-9797, Appleseedhomes.com... - Staten Island, NY

NYS Licensed Real Estate Salesperson

I don't understand why they never had a vent?

Apr 14, 2010 11:30 PM

1~Judi Barrett

Integrity Real Estate Services 116 SE AVE N, Idabel, OK 74745 - Idabel, OK

BS Ed, Integrity Real Estate Services -IDABEL OK

Those stinky sewer gases should be incentive enough to change it!

Apr 14, 2010 11:37 PM

David North

Coldwell Banker Bain - Duvall, WA

for a rewarding real estate experience

There is never a shortage of things to learn about the systems our homes depend upon. Thanks for the insight on this one.

Apr 14, 2010 11:38 PM

Claudette Millette

The Buyers' Counsel - Ashland, MA

Buyer, Broker - Metrowest Mass

Michael:

This is a simple enough but highly effective solution to a problem. It does take a good home inspector to point these important issues out.

Apr 14, 2010 11:40 PM

Jackie Connelly-Fornuff

Douglas Elliman Real Estate in Babylon NY - Babylon, NY

"Moving at The Speed of YOU!"

Why can't things just be done right the first time?

Apr 14, 2010 11:53 PM

Gita Bantwal

RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA

REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

Thank you for the information. I will share it with others.Good luck.

Apr 14, 2010 11:56 PM

Brian Madigan

RE/MAX West Realty Inc., Brokerage (Toronto) - Toronto, ON

LL.B., Broker

Michael,

Thanks for the simple explanation. It's something that should not be missed.

Brian

Apr 15, 2010 12:22 AM

Diane Osowiecki

Diane O and Friends - Benchmark Realty - Franklin, TN

Greater Nashville Real Estate

I thought all sinks, toliets and bathtubs/showers had to be vented? Maybe that's why I am not a home inspector.

Apr 15, 2010 12:33 AM

Kristin Johnston - REALTOR®

RE/MAX Platinum - Waukesha, WI

Giving Back With Each Home Sold!

I agree with one of the commenters above regarding the shear smell of it as being motivation...ewwwww~

Apr 15, 2010 02:08 AM

Carra Riley & Declan Kenyon

Brokers Guild Cherry Creek Ltd - Westminster, CO

Helping people Transition at all ages!

Michael....With the potential for problems, It seems that the plumbing job should be done properly in the first place. Sewer smell is horrible!

cosmic cow

Apr 15, 2010 02:40 AM

Tom Boos

Sine & Monaghan Realtors, Real Living - Grosse Pointe Farms, MI

Providing the very best of service to Sellers and

I had no idea. I too thought that all sinks were supposedly hooked up to the main vent stack. Who'd a thunk?

Apr 15, 2010 02:43 AM

Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, CRS

Fathom Realty Washington LLC - Tacoma, WA

South Puget Sound Washington Agent/Broker!

I have never witnessed the plastic ones rusting through though Michael =)
Your friend in Washington State,
Paul

Apr 15, 2010 02:56 AM

Team Honeycutt

Allen Tate - Concord, NC

Wow, can that be the same problem on a washer---my laundry room has a sink but the smell happens when we are washing clothes?

shelton

Apr 15, 2010 03:15 AM

Nancy Larson

I am a licensed referral agent in NJ - Hutchinson Island, FL

Michael, does anyoone pass inspection with you on the job? My goodness...lol

Apr 15, 2010 03:22 AM

Fred Carver Real Estate Consulant

Retired BC Realtor - Victoria, BC

Accredited Real Estate Consultant

Hi Michael..I also understand this can be the source of a musty basement smell, when the trap in the floor drain goes dry and allows a moisture smell from the drainage system.

Apr 15, 2010 03:26 AM

Debi Boucher

Real Estate Showcase Photography - Woodland Park, CO

"Realtor Showcase" - Real Estate Photography/Virtual Tours

Go get em Michael! No one wants a stinky house! LOL

Debi

Apr 15, 2010 03:42 AM

Greg Nino

RE/MAX Compass - Houston, TX

Houston, Texas

wow, how bizarre. thanks for sharing. i like these blogs of yours.. very educational.

Apr 15, 2010 04:09 AM

Dan Quinn

The Eric Steart Group of Long & Foster Real Estate - Silver Spring, MD

Dan Quinn

The slithering S trap. I want to see a plumbing connection like the electrical junction box you showed us yesterday. Got anything like that? It would make for a good laugh.

Apr 15, 2010 01:28 PM

Steven L. Smith

King of the House Home Inspection, Inc. - Bellingham, WA

Bellingham WA Home Inspector

Michael,

Looks like they put together a perfect S trap. Good job.

Apr 15, 2010 02:02 PM

Chris Smith

Re/Max Chay Realty Inc., Brokerage - New Tecumseth, ON

South Simcoe, Caledon, King, Orangeville Real Esta

Thank You Michael, I find your posts very informative.

Apr 17, 2010 12:24 AM