Inspecting the plumbing system is one of the most important part of a home inspection. Incorrect plumbing can not only result in leaks and mold growth behind walls and floors, it can also result in harmful gases entering into the living space. Except for a toilet, every fixture should be provided with a trap. There are several different types of traps, but the correct type in residential dwellings is key in keeping out harmful sewer gases.
Types of Traps & Uses
In order to prevent sewer gases from entering the house, drains are protected by traps. A trap is a curved section of a drain pipe that fills with water, the water in the trap is the seal that keeps out sewer gases. Sufficient trap depth of, 2 inch min, but no more than 4 inches max is required. Anything more than 4 inches will create sludge and siphoning. Each time the fixture is used the water is replace with fresh water. Therefore,Plumbing traps-essential in keeping out sewer gases, most be the correct type. P-traps are what's used in residential homes. They are most effective in keeping out gases. S-traps are sometimes used, however the implication of this type is siphoning. Drum traps is another type, but they tend to accumulate solids. Crown vented traps can be a problem if obstructed which can also result in siphoning.
Renovations
Many houses in various parts of Brooklyn are undergoing renovations. Many of these houses are historic especially in the downtown Brooklyn area. New owners, in an effect to modernized their homes often do some of the renovation themselves, most of the time this leads to incorrect installations. The pictures below are a type of S-trap, as it goes through the floor to the basement and into the drainage system. As can be seen there is no trap with water to seal out the sewer gases, and the smell in the kitchen and bathroom confirms this fact.
When doing your own renovation work, there's nothing like the feeling of a job well done, on the other hand it's a bad feeling when its done wrong and is costly to repair. At some point home owners will do some work themselves. The problem is that if the house is purchased before incorrect work is found the new owner is stuck with the repair bill.
A home inspection will determine if all accessible traps are correct, free from leaks, and rust and that the entire system is functioning properly.
For more on the value of a Brooklyn home inspection, visit
www.abrooklynhomeinspector.com
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