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PLUMBING TOPICS
AGE of Plumbing Materials & Fixtures
APPLIANCE EFFICIENCY RATINGS
BATHROOM MOLD
BLOCKED DRAIN REPAIR METHODS
BOILERS, HEATING
CHIMNEY INSPECTION DIAGNOSIS REPAIR
Chlorine - sources in drinking water
CLOGGED DRAIN DIAGNOSIS & REPAIR
CLOGGED SUPPLY PIPING
CROSS CONNECTIONS, PLUMBING
FLOOD DAMAGE ASSESSMENT, SAFETY & CLEANUP
FREEZE-PROOF A BUILDING
GAS PIPING, VALVES, CONTROLS
Gas BTUH & Cubic Feet
Gas Conversion LP Natural Gas
Gas Flame & Noise Defects
Gas Leak Detection
Gas Lighting Pipes & Fixtures
Gas Meters
Gas Piping Defects
Gas Regulators for Appliances
Gas Regulators for Tanks
Gas Shutoff Valves
LP Gas Tanks
LP & Natural Gas Safety Hazards
Types of Fuel Gas Source
HARD WATER - SOFTENERS
HEAT TAPES, Heat, Insulation prevent Freeze-Up
HOT WATER HEATERS
AGE of WATER HEATERS
ALTERNATIVE HOT WATER SOURCES
ANODES & DIP TUBES on WATER HEATERS
ANTI SCALD VALVES
APPLIANCE EFFICIENCY RATINGS
CARBON MONOXIDE/DIOXIDE
CHIMNEY INSPECTION DIAGNOSIS REPAIR
CLOGGED PIPING & Hot Water Flow
DRAIN a WATER HEATER TANK
ELECTRIC WATER HEATERS
Electric Shower Heaters
GAS FIRED WATER HEATERS
HOT WATER IMPROVEMENTS
HOT WATER DELIVERY SPEED UP
HOT WATER QUANTITY IMPROVEMENT
INDIRECT FIRED WATER HEATERS
MVOCs & MOLDY MUSTY ODORS
NOISE CONTROL for PLUMBING
NOISES COMING FROM WATER HEATER
ODORS & SMELLS DIAGNOSIS & CURE
ODORS in WATER
ODORS, SEPTIC or SEWER
OIL FIRED WATER HEATERS
OIL-FIRED BOILERS, HEATING
OIL & GAS PIPING
GAS PIPING, VALVES, CONTROLS
OIL TANK PIPING DEFECTS
OIL TANKS
ABOVE GROUND OIL TANK INSPECTIONS
BURIED OIL TANK ADVICE
BURIED TANKS, FINDING
FLOATING UP TANKS
TANK ABANDONING
TANK FAILURE CAUSES
TANK FAILURE RATES
TANK LEGAL ISSUES
TANK LEAK ADVICE
TANK LIFE
TANK REMOVAL COs
TANK REGULATIONS
TANK REPORT LANGUAGE
TANK STANDARDS
TANK TESTING
TANK TESTING COs
WATER in OIL TANKS
PIPING IN BUILDINGS
AGE OF PIPING
CHECK VALVES
CLOGGED DRAIN DIAGNOSIS
FIRST SIGNS of DRAIN CLOGGING
DRAIN vs SEPTIC
BLOCKED DRAIN?
DRAIN NOISE DIAGNOSIS
CLOGGED SUPPLY PIPING / Tankless Coil & Hot Water
Water pipe clog diagnosis
Water pipe clog repair guide
CROSS CONNECTIONS, PLUMBING
DRAIN & SEWER PIPING
DRAIN NOISES
FREEZE-PROOF PIPES
GAS PIPING, VALVES, CONTROLS
LEAD WATER PIPES
LEAK TYPES, Water Supply/Drain Pipe
OIL TANK PIPING DEFECTS
PLASTIC PIPING
REPAIR BURST LEAKY PIPES
SEPTIC BACKUP PREVENTION
SEPTIC BACKUP REPAIR
SEWER GAS ODORS
SEWER GAS ODORS in COLD WEATHER
SEWER LINE REPLACEMENT
SOUND CONTROL for PLUMBING
TRAPS on DRAINS
VENT PIPING
Water pipe clog diagnosis
Water pipe clog repair guide
WATER PRESSURE LOSS
WATER SHUTOFF VALVE LOCATION, USE
WATER SOURCE ALTERNATIVES
WATER SUPPLY & DRAIN PIPING
PLUMBING FIXTURES
FAUCETS & CONTROLS
SHOWERS SINKS TUBS
TOILETS
TOILET ALTERNATIVES
TOILET OVERFLOW EMERGENCY
WATER PRESSURE GAUGE ACCURACY
RANGE BOILERS
RELIEF VALVES - TP Valves on Boilers
Relief Valves - Water Heaters
SEPTIC SYSTEMS
Info for Home Buyers or Owners
Septic System Design
Septic Inspection Testing
Septic Maintenance Repair
CLEARANCE DISTANCES FOR SEPTICS
HOME BUYERS GUIDE to SEPTIC SYSTEMS
SEPTIC BACKUP PREVENTION
SEPTIC BACKUP REPAIR
SEPTIC BOOKS REFS CODES
SEPTIC CONSULTANTS
SEPTIC FIELD INSPECTION
SEPTIC DESIGN ALTERNATIVES
SEPTIC PUMPS
SEPTIC SYSTEM DESIGN BASICS
SEPTIC SYSTEMS ONLINE BOOK
SEPTIC SYSTEMS & FLOODS
SEPTIC TANK INSPECTION PROCEDURE
SEPTIC TANK PUMPING PROCEDURE
SEPTIC TANK PUMPING SCHEDULE
SEPTIC TREATMENTS
SEWAGE CONTAMINATION IN BUILDINGS
SEWAGE PATHOGENS in SEPTIC SLUDGE
SEWER GAS ODORS
SEWER LINE REPLACEMENT
SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS
PASSIVE SOLAR DESIGN METHOD
PASSIVE SOLAR HEAT PERFORMANCE
PASSIVE SOLAR HOME, LOW COST
PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER SYSTEMS
SLAB INSULATION, PASSIVE SOLAR
SOLAR COLLECTOR AIR or GAS COLLECTION
SOLAR COLLECTOR FILMS
SOLAR COLLECTOR WOOD HOUSINGS
SOLAR HEATING SYSTEMS
SOLAR HOT WATER HEATERS
SOLAR HOUSE EVALUATION
SWIMMING POOL SOLAR HEAT, INDOOR
SWIMMING POOL SOLAR HEAT, OUTDOOR DIAGNOSIS
SUMP PUMPS GUIDE
TANK TYPES: WATER, OIL, EXPANSION, ALL
TANKLESS COILS
Temperature Pressure Relief Valves - Water Heaters
TOILET OVERFLOW EMERGENCY
WATER HEATERS
AGE of WATER HEATERS
ALTERNATIVE HOT WATER SOURCES
High Efficiency Water Heaters
Indirect-fired Water Heaters
Instantaneous Water Heaters
Multiple water heaters in parallel
Multiple water heaters in series
Range Boiler Water Heaters
Side Arm Coil Water Heaters
Solar Water Heaters
Tankless Coil for Hot Water
Tankless Water Heaters
ANODES & DIP TUBES on WATER HEATERS
ANTI SCALD VALVES
APPLIANCE EFFICIENCY RATINGS
CARBON MONOXIDE/DIOXIDE
CHIMNEY INSPECTION DIAGNOSIS REPAIR
CLOGGED PIPING & Hot Water Flow
DRAIN a WATER HEATER TANK
ELECTRIC WATER HEATERS
Identify Electric Water Heater Parts
Electric Water Heater Checklist
Electric Water Heater Controls List
Water Heater Anode & Dip Tube Check
Hot Water Temperature & Pressure Valve
Electric Water Heater Repair Guide
Electric Water Heater: No Hot Water
Electric Water Heater Reset & Temp Set
Test Electric Water Heater High Temp Cutoff
Test Electric Water Heater Elements
Replace Electric Water Heater Element
WATER HEATERS for HOME HEATING USE?
GAS FIRED WATER HEATERS
DRAFT HOODS - gas fired
Gas BTUH & Cubic Feet
Gas Conversion LP Natural Gas
GAS PIPING, VALVES, CONTROLS
SOOT on OIL FIRED HEATING EQUIPMENT
SPILL SWITCHES - Flue Gas Detection
HOT WATER IMPROVEMENTS
HOT WATER DELIVERY SPEED UP
HOT WATER QUANTITY IMPROVEMENT
Alternative Hot Water Sources & Methods
Anti-Scald Valves & Hot Water Quantity
CLOGGED PIPING & Hot Water Flow
Extra Tanks to Increase Hot Water
Insulate Hot Water Piping
Insulate Hot Water Tank?
Larger Diameter Water Supply Piping
INDIRECT FIRED WATER HEATERS
NO HEAT - NO HOT WATER: HEATER DIAGNOSIS
NOISES COMING FROM WATER HEATER
ODORS IN WATER
OIL FIRED WATER HEATERS
DRAFT REGULATORS - barometric dampers
OIL BURNERS
OIL BURNER NOISE SMOKE ODORS
OIL PIPING
OIL TANKS
MIXING VALVES
PLASTIC HEATER VENT
RANGE BOILERS
RELIEF VALVES - TP Valves on Boilers
Relief Valves - Water Heaters
SAFETY DURING HEATING INSPECTION
SEWER GAS ODORS
SEWER LINE REPLACEMENT
SOLAR HOT WATER HEATERS
SOOT on OIL FIRED HEATING EQUIPMENT
SPILL SWITCHES - Flue Gas Detection
TANKLESS COILS
Clogged Piping / Tankless Coil & Hot Water Flow
Mixing Valves
Tankless Coil Leaks
Tankless Coil Hot Water Increase
TANKLESS WATER HEATERS
Temperature Pressure Relief Valves - Water Heaters
Water Heater Noises
WATER HEATER PROPERTIES
Electric, Gas, Oil Water Heater Efficiency
Water Heater Life Expectancy Comparisons
Water Heater Operating Cost Comparisons
Water Heater Purchase & Maintenance Costs
Water Heater Water Quantity Comparisons
Water Heater Recovery Speed Comparisons
Water Heater Safety Comparisons
Water Heater Scale - De-Liming Procedures
WATER PRESSURE & FLOW MEASUREMENT
Definition of Static Water Pressure
Definition of Dynamic Water Pressure
How to Measure Water Flow Rate in a Building
WATER PRESSURE GAUGE ACCURACY
WATER PRESSURE LOSS DIAGNOSIS GUIDE
BAD MUNICIPAL WATER PRESSURE or FLOW
BAD WELL WATER PRESSURE or FLOW
Water Pressure Intermittent
No Water Pressure
Well Tank relation to Water Pressure
Shaking the Water Tank?
Water Pressure Falls Slowly, Erratic Pumping
Water Pressure Tank Problems
Water Pressure Tank Diagnosis
Water pressure Later Returns "on its own"
Water pipe clog diagnosis
Water pipe clog repair guide
Making the "right" repair
Typical Water Tank & Pump Prices
Typical Pressure Tank & Pump Prices
WATER PRESSURE REGULATOR ADJUST
What's a Water Pressure Regulator?
Causes of Variation in Water Pressure
Diagnose Poor Municipal Water Pressure
Adjust Bad Pressure Regulator on Municipal Water
WATER PRESSURE REPAIR GUIDE & COSTS
Questions about lost water pressure
Advice to a homeowner
Adjusting Water Pump Pressure Control
Right Repair to Pump & Tank?
Well Pump & Tank Replacement Costs
WATER PUMPS, TANKS, TESTS, WELLS, REPAIRS
WATER PUMPS & WELL TANKS
WATER PUMP & TANK SAFETY
WATER PUMP & TANK CONTROLS & SWITCHES
WATER PUMP PRESSURE CONTROL ADJUSTMENT
WATER PUMP PRESSURE CONTROL REPAIR
WATER PUMP PRIMING PROCEDURE
WATER PUMP SHORT CYCLING
SHORT CYCLING PUMP CAUSES
WATER PUMP TYPES & LIFE EXPECTANCY
WATER PUMP, ONE LINE JET
WATER PUMP, ONE LINE JET OPERATION
PUMP, TWO LINE JET
PUMP, TWO LINE JET OPERATION
PUMP, SUBMERSIBLE
PUMP, SUBMERSIBLE OPERATION
PUMP, WATER PRESSURE BOOSTER
PUMP & TANK REPAIRS & COSTS
PUMP & TANK SAFETY
WATER PUMP WONT STOP RUNNING
WATER QUALITY TESTS, CONTAMINANTS, TREATMENT
WATER QUANTITY IMPROVEMENT
WATER QUANTITY USAGE GUIDE
WATER SHUTOFF VALVE LOCATION, USE
WATER SOFTENERS
DETECT HARD WATER
MEASURE WATER HARDNESS
HOW SOFTENERS WORK
HEALTH RISKS & WATER SOFTENERS
SALT OR WATER INTO SEPTIC
REDUCE IMPACT OF SOFTENER
SOFTENER ADJUSTMENT & CLEANING
OTHER SOFTENER METHODS
Winterize Water Softener & Treatment Equip
Restoring Water Softener & Treatment Equip
WATER SUPPLY & DRAIN PIPING
WATER TANK TYPES: WATER, OIL, EXPANSION, ALL
CAPTIVE AIR BLADDER WATER TANKS
STEEL WATER TANKS
BIG WATER STORAGE TANKS
OPEN WATER TANKS
WATER TANK AIR, HOW TO ADD
WATER TANK AIR VOLUME CONTROLS
WATER TANK AIR ADD AT AIR VALVE
WATER TANK AIR ADD BY DRAINING
WATER TANK AIR HOW MUCH TO ADD
WATER TANK AIR HOW OFTEN TO ADD
WATER TANK BLADDERS & CAPTIVE AIR
WATER TANK CAPTIVE AIR vs TRADITIONAL WellMate
WATER TANK BLADDER PRESSURE ADJUSTMENT
WATER TANK LIFE EXPECTANCY
WATER TANK PRESSURE CALCULATIONS
WATER TANK REPAIRS
CONTROLS & SWITCHES on WATER TANKS
INTERMITTENT CYCLING WATER PUMPS
WATER PUMP SHORT CYCLING
SHORT CYCLING DETECTION
SHORT CYCLING CAUSES
WATER TANK AIR LOSS SIGNS
WATER TANK REPLACEMENT
WATER TANK SIZE & VOLUME
WATER TANKS HOW THEY WORK
WATER TESTS, CONTAMINANTS, TREATMENT
WATER TESTING ADVICE
CHEATING on WATER TESTS
CORRECTING BAD WATER
EPA GUIDE to WATER QUALITY
SEWAGE CONTAMINATION
WATER CONTAMINANT LEVELS
WATER ODORS, CAUSE CURE
WATER PUMPS & WELLS
WATER QUALITY TESTS, CONTAMINANTS, TREATMENT
WATER QUANTITY IMPROVEMENT
WATER QUANTITY USAGE GUIDE
WATER SOFTENERS
WATER TEST CHOICES & WATER TEST FEES
Cost of Water Tests - Lab Fees
General Classes of Water Contaminants
ARSENIC in WATER
BACTERIA TEST GUIDE
CHEMICAL CONTAMINANTS in WATER
FHA WATER TESTS REQUIRED
General- water test parameters
Standard VA FHA, Pesticides
Title 5- water test parameters
Comprehensive Water Test
Water testing Comprehensive + Pesticides
Individual water contaminant tests
Herbicide Contamination
LEAD CONTAMINATION
Pesticides Contamination
TOTAL COLIFORM TESTING
Municipal Water Test Parameters
WATER TEST FEES
WATER TEST INTERPRETATION
Common Water Tests for Bacteria
FAILED WATER TESTS - WHAT TO DO
FAILED WATER TESTS - WHEN to RE-TEST
WATER TREATMENT EQUIPMENT CHOICES
FILTERS for WATER
FILTERS - SEDIMENT & IRON
FILTERS - SULPHUR ODOR
CHLORINATORS & CHARCOAL FILTERS
REVERSE OSMOSIS WATER TREATMENT
REVERSE OSMOSIS CONCENTRATE DISPOSAL
UV -ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT TREATMENT
WATER SOFTENERS
WATER TREATMENT CHEMICAL SAFETY
WELLS CISTERNS & SPRINGS
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Cisterns
Drilled Wells - steel casings
Drilled Well with Submersible Pump
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Well with Two Line Jet Pump
Driven Point Wells
How Much Water is In the Well?
How to Test Well Water Quantity
Do Your Own Well Yield Test
How Water Flow & Pressure Behave
Reasonable Water Flow Rate
Step by Step Well Yield Test
How to Calculate Well Yield if Run Out of Water
Fixing Inadequate Water Pressure /Quantity
How to Conduct a True Well Flow Test
Visual Clues of Limited Well Capacity
Faucet Flow Rate is Inaccurate Test
How to Get More Water From a Well
Hand Dug Wells
Springs as Water Supply
Well Pits
WELL CLEARANCE DISTANCES
WELL LIFE EXPECTANCY
WELL PIPING CHECK VALVES
WELL PIPING FOOT VALVES
WELL PUMP TYPES & LIFE EXPECTANCY
WELL PUMP PRIMING GUIDE
WELL SHOCKING GUIDE
WINTERIZE A BUILDING
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Hot water: how to get more hot water flow, quantity, performance from your water heater
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Septic systems: how to inspect, test, repair, install, maintain septic tanks, septic fields, alternative designs.
Tank Types Encyclopedia an encyclopedia of tanks in buildings, water tanks, oil tanks, gas tanks, expansion tanks, cisterns, antique, modern
Water wells, water pumps, water tanks, water piping, supply: how to inspect, test, repair
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The articles at this website will answer most questions about septic systems, oil tanks, wells, & water tanks
as well as many other building plumbing system inspection or defect topics.
This page contains links to in-depth articles on inspecting, testing, and repairing problems with
above ground and buried oil tanks, septic system design, inspection, testing, water supply and drain waste vent piping, wells, water supply pumps, water tanks,
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Use links just below or at the left of each page to navigate this document or to view other topics at this website. Green links show where you are in our document or website.
Oil & Gas Fuel Supply Piping and Tanks
InspectA Pedia ® -
Oil Tanks Home Page - The Oil Storage Tank Information Website: Buried or Above Ground Oil Tank Inspection, Testing, Cleanup, Abandonment of Oil Tanks
Buried Oil tanks - basic home owner or home buyer advice - Buried FUEL Tank - GAS or OIL advice for home buyers, inspection report language
Tank Types Encyclopedia an encyclopedia of tanks in buildings, water, fuel, heating, cisterns, antique, modern
Visual Inspection Procedure to Find Buried Oil Tanks How to Find Buried Oil Tanks and "Nearly Hidden" and Leaky Oil Tanks - photos and text.
Visual Inspection of Above Ground Oil Storage Tanks Oil tank inspection procedure for evidence of leaks, damage, improper piping, etc.
Home Inspection Report Language Library:
Gas Fuel Piping or LP Gas Tank Defects Basic advice
Heating Oil Piping or Oil Tank Defects Defects in Oil Tank Installations, Tanks, and Heating Oil Piping
Onsite Waste Disposal - Septic Systems Inspection & Testing Procedures
SepticAPedia ©
SEPTIC INFO ARTICLES
Info for Home Buyers or Owners
Septic System Design
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Septic Maintenance Repair
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HOME BUYERS GUIDE to SEPTIC SYSTEMS
HOME SELLERS GUIDE TO SEPTIC INSPECT
SEPTIC SYSTEMS ONLINE BOOK
SEPTIC TANK PUMPING SCHEDULE
SEPTIC TANK PUMPING PROCEDURE
SEPTIC TANK INSPECTION PROCEDURE
SEPTIC FIELD INSPECTION
SEPTIC TREATMENTS
SEPTIC CONSULTANTS
SEPTIC AUTHORITIES
BOOKS REFS CODES
SEPTIC SYSTEM DESIGN BASICS
SEPTIC DESIGN ALTERNATIVES
List Your Service/Product
Additives & Chemicals products for septic system maintenance. Are septic products needed? Are septic treatments legal?
AGE of Plumbing Materials & Fixtures including piping, plumbing fixtures, septic systems, cesspools, drainfields
Alternative Designs for septic systems with problem sites, poor soil percolation, limited space: aerobic, dosing, evaporation, gravelless, greywater, lagoon, media filter, septic filters, mounds, raised beds, waterless toilets
Backups and Clogged Drains diagnosing septic backups and septic system failures versus clogged drains - key step in septic repair
Backup Prevention : extra steps to avoid a septic backup such as during a party or when you anticipate heavy use of the septic system
Backup Repair : what to do when the toilets or drains are backing up
Basic Designs for septic systems, tank size, field size, design notes
Buy Septic Books Online at Amazon.com - books for septic system design. septic system education materials
Buyer's Guide Home Buyer's Guide to Septic Systems inspection & testing - what to do, step by step to inspect and test a septic system when buying a home
Biomat Formation in the Septic System Drainfield Absorption System - what leads to drain field clogging and expensive drainfield repairs
Cesspools home buyer's or Owner's cesspool maintenance advice
Cesspool Safety warnings about cesspool, drywell, seepage pit collapse dangers
Contaminants in Sewage which may be released from sewage spills from residential septic systems and wastewater disposal systems
Design Guide for Septic Systems complete list of detailed "how to" articles
Distribution Box - Septic D-BOX Inspection providesfor help in finding and inspecting the septic system drainfield distribution box
Designs for Septic Systems - Master List of Septic System Designs & Types, named and described
Distribution Box - Septic D-BOX Inspection providesfor help in finding and inspecting the septic system drainfield distribution box
Distances & Clearances from septic system components to other site features, property boundaries, waterways, etc.
Don't Flush these things into a septic system: a list of what's ok and what's not ok to put into septic tanks and building drains
Don't Pump Before Testing Septic Systems : warnings for home buyers about septic tank pumping
Drain Clogs, Slow Drainage : how to diagnose & repair slow or clogged drains; find out if the problem is in a drain or in the septic system, a key step in septic repair
Drain Noises : may indicate defective or clogged plumbing: how to diagnose and cure drain sounds
Drain Line Replacement diagnosing a clogged drain leads to drain line replacement - step by step photo-illustrated guide to drain replacement
Drainfield Layout : septic drainfield or leaching bed shape and placement considerations
Drainfield Location : how to find the septic drain field or leaching bed
Drywells home buyer's or owner's advice for drywell installation, testing, and maintenance
Definitions of septic system terms, an online septic system dictionary
Drawing Library © drawings of septic system components, fields, layouts. These are educational, not engineering drawings and are © protected. Sample engineering drawings and plans wanted for the website.
Filters for Septic Tanks & Graywater to protect septic drainfields and reduce drainfield clogging
Flood Response what to do after a septic system has been exposed to flooding, key septic maintenance and repair tips
Garbage Grinders and garbage disposal units - effects on septic systems and septic maintenance requirements
Gases, Septic Methane and other septic system gas hazards such as hydrogen sulfide
Grazing, Animals Over Septic Fields , is it a problem?
Inspection & Testing of Septic Systems complete list of detailed "how to" articles
Life Expectancy of Septic Systems and septic system components
Maintenance & Repair of Septic Systems complete list of detailed "how to" articles
Neighboring Septic System Problems - advice for dealing with a neighboring septic system producing odors or seepage
Planting Over Septic Systems: trees, shrubs, gardens, groundcover over or near the septic system: what can you plant over or near septic system components without causing a problem?
Planting Gardens Near Septics , vegetables, fruits, other types of gardens
Pumps Septic pumps, sewage ejector pumps, grinder pumps, effluent pumps, sump pumps, & septic pumping stations compared; pump alarms. Advice.
Reference Books, Codes, Design Guides for septic system maintenance, repair, design, installation
Septic & Cesspool Safety - septic system, septic tank, & cesspool safety warnings for septic inspectors, septic pumpers, and homeowners.
Septic D-BOX Inspection providesfor help in finding and inspecting the septic system drainfield distribution box
Septic Tank Abandonment Guide - how to safely find & abandoned unused septic tanks, cesspools, drywells
Septic Tank Depth - how deep will we find or install a septic tank
Septic Tank Inspection Procedure - how to inspect septic tanks and evaluate the septic tank condition, baffles, sludge levels, damage, evidence of septic failure, etc.
Septic Tank Location - How to Find the Septic Tank, how deep will the cover be, how to document its location
Septic Tank Pumping Frequency Guide for septic tanks: when, how, what to watch for when pumping or cleaning septic tanks
Septic Tank Pumping Reasons why relying on the septic tank pumping schedule table or advice from pumping contractors isn't enough
Septic Tank Pumping Procedure step by step photo guideline of how to pump and clean a septic tank - septic tank care
Septic Tank Size : septic tank size and capacity vs. usage determine the required septic tank size, calculate size of an existing septic tank
Sewage Odors in Wet or Cold Weather - Septic Odors or Sewage Odor Diagnosis & Repair Guide for diagnosing and eliminating cold weather sewer gas odors
Sewage Levels in Septic Tanks - what are normal and abormal sewage levels in septic tanks and what do they mean about tank condition, leaks, etc.
Sewer Gas Odors diagnosing, finding, and curing septic tank and sewer line smells
Sewer Gas - Methane and other septic system gas explosion or asphyxiation hazards such as hydrogen sulfide
Sewer Line Replacement diagnosing a clogged drain leads to drain line replacement - step by step photo-illustrated guide to drain replacement
Swimming Pool Clearance distance to septic components
Ten Steps to Keeping a Septic System Working , septic maintenance suggestions from the U.S. EPA, edits with additions by DJF
TOILET OVERFLOW EMERGENCY : how to stop a toilet from overflowing
What is a Septic System? An Engineer's View & Septic System FAQ's
When Not to Pump a Septic Tank to avoid damage, unsafe conditions, or wasting money. Don't pump the tank right before a septic test.
Drinking Water Tests, Water Contamination Limits, Drinking Water Testing Procedures InspectA Pedia ® -
Arsenic in Drinking Water , health effects, exposure standards, how to remove arsenic from water
Cheating on water tests: Testing Water for Real Estate Transactions - make sure your water test is valid
Choices of Water Tests & Fees : A Summary of Types of Water Tests, Degrees of Comprehensive Water Testing, Details of Water Test Parameters
Clearances Required for Wells Distance Between Well & Septic System and other water pollution sources, Online Table of Well Distances
CROSS CONNECTIONS, PLUMBING - bacterial contamination of buliding piping - sources
Drinking Water Testing Advice for home buyers home owners home inspectors
Drinking Water Contaminant Levels - Maximum Allowed
Drinking Water Contamination and Pollution How to Detect, Test, Correct, and Prevent Well Water Contamination - US EPA - Groundwater
HOT WATER IMPROVEMENT - how to get more domestic hot water from your water heating system
Interpreting & Acting On Drinking Water Test Results what the results mean and what to do about them
Correcting Unsatisfactory Water what to do, when to do it, treatment alternatives, equipment, filters, etc.
Lead Contamination in Drinking Water: how to correct lead in drinking water
Lead Poisoning Symptoms (extreme) Feb.. 2006 NY Times Article on Kosovo Roma Camps
Water Treatment for Contamination, Hardness, Odors, Sediment, Etc: choices of systems, recommendations
When and How to Shock or Chlorinate a Well - Procedure for Shocking a Well to (temporarily or maybe longer) "Correct" Bacterial Contamination
Lead Test Result Variation Caused by Test Methods and Water Supply Lines/Entry Mains: Advice re: Testing With Lead Pipe & Lead Solder on Plumbing
Odors in Drinking Water , causes of odors in water, health risks, treatment for odors
Total Coliform Testing , what is Total Coliform, why do we test for it, what do test results mean
Sewage or Septic contamination in Buildings - Investigation, Testing and Remediation
Tank Types Encyclopedia an encyclopedia of tanks in buildings, water tanks, fuel tanks, gas tanks, heating system expansion tanks, oil tanks, water cisterns, water pressure tanks, pressure booster tanks, antique, modern
Water Quantity Requirements , Home & Outdoor Living
WATER SHUTOFF VALVE LOCATION, USE where to find and how to turn off the main water valve in buildings
Water Softeners maintenance, adjustment, and water softener effect on drinking water and on septic systems
Water Supply & Drain Piping, Wells, Pumps, Water Supply Equipment
Wells, Cisterns,& Springs types of sources of drinking water, what they look like, what goes wrong, what to do about it
Water Supply Piping, & Drain Piping, Water Supply Equipment, other Building Pipes and Plumbing
PlumbingAPedia ©
AGE of Plumbing Materials & Fixtures including piping, plumbing fixtures, septic systems, cesspools, drainfields
CROSS CONNECTIONS, PLUMBING - bacterial contamination of buliding piping - sources
Relief Valves - Water Heaters Temperature Pressure Relief Valves - inspection methods, issues and hazards
RELIEF VALVES - TP Valves on Boilers Temperature Pressure Relief Valves - proper inspection methods, issues and hazards
Clearances Required for Wells Distance Between Well & Septic System and other water pollution sources, Online Table of Well Distances
Clearances Required for Septic Systems Between Septic System & Wells, Streams, Trees, property boundaries, Online Tables of Septic Distances
Clogged Drain Diagnosis: Is it a blocked drain or the septic system? - A First Step for Homeowners
DRAIN NOISE DIAGNOSIS : may indicate defective or clogged plumbing: how to diagnose and cure drain sounds
FREEZE-PROOF PIPES : how to winterize or freeze-proof plumbing in a building, how to avoid freezing pipes, how to thaw frozen pipes: how to winterize a building against freezing and frost damage.
Life Expectancy of Water Pumps - Well Pumps: how long should a water pump last? What affects pump life?
Life Expectancy of Wells & Water Tanks how long should a water well and its components last?
WATER HEATERS for HOME HEATING USE? - is this an efficient way to heat your home? what is the impact on heater warranty & life?
WATER SHUTOFF VALVE LOCATION, USE where to find and how to turn off the main water valve in buildings
SUPPLY PIPING - Water Supply Piping Defects and Plastic or polybutylene water supply piping failures, leaks, and litigation
CROSS CONNECTIONS, PLUMBING - bacterial contamination of buliding piping - sources
PB (polybutylene with mechanical fittings) Piping leaks: especially in mobile homes and in the U.S. South, for example trailers and double-wides throughout Florida that were piped with this material - per M Cramer. See "Polybutylene Piping: Time Bomb?" Daniel Friedman, Journal of Light Construction , August 1996 [Technical Q&A] .
Plastic Supply and Drain Piping Failures: leaks, lawsuits, settlements
If plastic water piping is installed, such as polybutylene water supply piping, it should be at least 18" from the water heater.
New mobile home and trailer units: 3/4" supply piping, min 6" off ground; shutoff valve required;
Tank Types Encyclopedia an encyclopedia of tanks in buildings, water tanks, fuel tanks, gas tanks, heating system expansion tanks, oil tanks, water cisterns, water pressure tanks, pressure booster tanks, antique, modern
TANKLESS COILS for making domestic hot water
WATER HEATERS - a detailed guide to all types of hot water sources, problems, inspection, repair
Water Tanks, Water Pumps, Well Pumps
WATER TANK TYPES what are the types of water pressure tanks, how are they tested, maintained, repaired
Water Pressure Tanks what they are for, how they work, what goes wrong, how to fix them
Water Pump Pressure Control how to adjust the pump cut-on and cut-off pressures
Water Pump Short Cycling what to do if the water pump keeps turning on and off too rapidly
Water Pump and Pressure Tank Diagnosis & Costs an specific case offers an example of diagnosis of loss of water pressure, loss of water, and analyzes the actual repair cost
Water Requirements, Home & Outdoor Living
Water Tank Air Charge how to fix a water tank that has lost its air charge
Water Tanks - how to diagnose problems with water tanks, such as the need for air, how to add air, stop water pump short cycling to avoid damage - water storage water pressure tank safety.
WELL PUMP PRIMING GUIDE how do we re-prime the well pump ?
Wells, Cisterns, Springs
Cisterns - as a water source
Springs as Water Supply what are they, can they be sanitary and safe?
Wells, Cisterns,& Springs types of sources of drinking water, what they look like, what goes wrong, what to do about it
Wells in Basements as a water source, what to watch out for, how to inspect, test, make safe
WELL CLEARANCE DISTANCES how far should the well be from the septic, road, property borders, buildings
Wells, Drilled - steel casings and also bored wells, how to inspect, diagnose, & repair well problems
Wells, with Submersible Pump what is a submersible pump, how to inspect, diagnose, & repair
Wells, Shallow with One Line Jet Pump what is a one line jet pump, how to inspect, diagnose, & repair
Well, Deep with Two Line Jet Pump what is a two line jet pump, how to inspect, diagnose, & repair
Wells, Driven Point what is a driven point well, what are its characteristics?
Wells, Hand Dug what are they, can they be sanitary and safe?
WELL PIPING FOOT VALVES - a leaky foot valve can lead to loss of well pump prime and loss of water pressure
Well Pits - special warnings for properties where the well and well equipment, pump, tank, etc. are outside in a pit
WELL, PUMP, TANK LIFE EXPECTANCY how long should a typical well, water pump, or water tank last?
Well Water Quantity & Well Water Quality
WINTERIZE A BUILDING : how to freeze-proof plumbing in a building, how to avoid freezing pipes, how to thaw frozen pipes: how to winterize a building against freezing and frost damage.
Plumbing Links our big list of links to plastic piping and other plumbing defects
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Thanks to Alan Carson and Bob Dunlop, Carson Dunlop, Associates, Toronto, for permission to use illustrations from their publication, The Illustrated Home which illustrates construction details and building components. Carson Dunlop provides home inspection education, publications, report writing materials, and home inspection services. Alan Carson is a past president of ASHI, the American Society of Home Inspectors.
Thanks to Scott C. LeMarr, for sharing his file of keys to decode Furnace and Water Heater Age from the data provided on the manufacturer's equipment labels. Mr. LeMarr is
a professional home inspector, Certified Professional Inspector/President,
MASTER Indoor Environmental Specialist (MIES).
Vice President of Wisconsin NACHI. He and his company, Honest Home Inspections , LLC. can be reached at
262-424-5587 or by email to scott@honesthomeinspections.com
ABS Plastic Drain/Waste/Vent (DWV) pipe failures: reported for Centaur, Phoenix, Polaris, Gable, and Spartan pipe mfgs. for pipe made betweeen 1985 and 1988. CPSC Hot Line: 800-638-8270 or ABS Drain Leaks/Failures-Class Action Settlement COX settlement through Shell Oil set up by a contractor involved in the settlementPolubutylene Plumbing Failures: Spencer Class settlement. 10% of replacement cost/damages, only for acetal (plastic)fittingsPolybutylene plumbing info at U. Arizona Polybutylene piping lawsuit settlement website Polybutylene plumbing lawsuit proposed settlement-old site
Polybutylene Plumbing Failures , Lots of Info about, but slow-loading busy site
Use links just below or at the left of each page to navigate this document or to view other topics at this website. Green links show where you are in our document or website.
PLUMBING TOPICS
AGE of Plumbing Materials & Fixtures
BLOCKED DRAIN REPAIR METHODS
BOILERS, HEATING
CHIMNEY INSPECTION DIAGNOSIS REPAIR
Chlorine - sources in drinking water
CLOGGED DRAIN DIAGNOSIS & REPAIR
CLOGGED SUPPLY PIPING
CROSS CONNECTIONS, PLUMBING
FLOOD DAMAGE ASSESSMENT, SAFETY & CLEANUP
FREEZE-PROOF A BUILDING
HARD WATER - SOFTENERS
HEAT TAPES, Heat, Insulation prevent Freeze-Up
HOT WATER HEATERS
AGE of WATER HEATERS
ALTERNATIVE HOT WATER SOURCES
ANODES & DIP TUBES on WATER HEATERS
ANTI SCALD VALVES
APPLIANCE EFFICIENCY RATINGS
CARBON MONOXIDE/DIOXIDE
CHIMNEY INSPECTION DIAGNOSIS REPAIR
CLOGGED PIPING & Hot Water Flow
DRAIN a WATER HEATER TANK
ELECTRIC WATER HEATERS
Electric Shower Heaters
GAS FIRED WATER HEATERS
HOT WATER IMPROVEMENTS
HOT WATER DELIVERY SPEED UP
HOT WATER QUANTITY IMPROVEMENT
INDIRECT FIRED WATER HEATERS
MVOCs & MOLDY MUSTY ODORS
ODORS & SMELLS DIAGNOSIS & CURE
ODORS in WATER
ODORS, SEPTIC or SEWER
OIL FIRED WATER HEATERS
OIL-FIRED BOILERS, HEATING
OIL & GAS PIPING
GAS PIPING, VALVES, CONTROLS
OIL TANKS
PIPING IN BUILDINGS
PLUMBING FIXTURES
RANGE BOILERS
RELIEF VALVES - TP Valves on Boilers
Relief Valves - Water Heaters
SEPTIC SYSTEMS
SEWER GAS ODORS
SEWER LINE REPLACEMENT
SOLAR HOT WATER HEATERS
SUMP PUMPS GUIDE
TANK TYPES: WATER, OIL, EXPANSION, ALL
TANKLESS COILS
Temperature Pressure Relief Valves - Water Heaters
TOILET OVERFLOW EMERGENCY
WATER HEATERS
AGE of WATER HEATERS
ALTERNATIVE HOT WATER SOURCES
ANODES & DIP TUBES on WATER HEATERS
ANTI SCALD VALVES
APPLIANCE EFFICIENCY RATINGS
CARBON MONOXIDE/DIOXIDE
CHIMNEY INSPECTION DIAGNOSIS REPAIR
CLOGGED PIPING & Hot Water Flow
DRAIN a WATER HEATER TANK
ELECTRIC WATER HEATERS
GAS FIRED WATER HEATERS
HOT WATER IMPROVEMENTS
HOT WATER DELIVERY SPEED UP
HOT WATER QUANTITY IMPROVEMENT
HOT WATER DELIVERY SPEED UP
INDIRECT FIRED WATER HEATERS
NO HEAT - NO HOT WATER: HEATER DIAGNOSIS
ODORS IN WATER
OIL FIRED WATER HEATERS
MIXING VALVES
PLASTIC HEATER VENT
RANGE BOILERS
RELIEF VALVES - TP Valves on Boilers
Relief Valves - Water Heaters
SAFETY DURING HEATING INSPECTION
SEWER GAS ODORS
SEWER LINE REPLACEMENT
SOLAR HOT WATER HEATERS
SOOT on OIL FIRED HEATING EQUIPMENT
SPILL SWITCHES - Flue Gas Detection
TANKLESS COILS
Temperature Pressure Relief Valves - Water Heaters
Water Heater Noises
WATER HEATER PROPERTIES
Water Heater Scale - De-Liming Procedures
WATER PRESSURE REPAIR GUIDE & COSTS
WATER PRESSURE LOSS DIAGNOSIS GUIDE
WATER PRESSURE & FLOW MEASUREMENT
WATER PUMPS, TANKS, TESTS, WELLS, REPAIRS
WATER PRESSURE GAUGE ACCURACY
WATER PRESSURE REPAIR GUIDE & COSTS
WATER PRESSURE LOSS DIAGNOSIS GUIDE
WATER PRESSURE & FLOW MEASUREMENT
WATER PUMPS & WELL TANKS
WATER PUMP & TANK SAFETY
WATER PUMP & TANK CONTROLS & SWITCHES
WATER PUMP TYPES & LIFE EXPECTANCY
WATER PUMP PRESSURE CONTROL ADJUSTMENT
WATER PUMP PRESSURE CONTROL REPAIR
WATER PUMP PRIMING PROCEDURE
WATER PUMP SHORT CYCLING
WATER PUMP WONT STOP RUNNING
WATER SUPPLY & DRAIN PIPING
WATER TANK TYPES: WATER, OIL, EXPANSION, ALL
WATER TANK AIR, HOW TO ADD
WATER TANK REPAIRS
WATER SHUTOFF VALVE LOCATION, USE
WATER SOFTENERS
WATER TESTS, CONTAMINANTS, TREATMENT
WATER ODORS, CAUSE CURE
WATER PUMPS & WELLS
WATER QUALITY TESTS, CONTAMINANTS, TREATMENT
WATER QUANTITY IMPROVEMENT
WATER QUANTITY USAGE GUIDE
WATER SOFTENERS
WATER TEST CHOICES & WATER TEST FEES
WATER TEST FEES
WATER TEST INTERPRETATION
WATER TREATMENT EQUIPMENT CHOICES
WELLS CISTERNS & SPRINGS
WINTERIZE A BUILDING