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Photograph of this antiquated laundry sink with several unsanitary plumbing violations in view.

Inspecting & Testing Plumbing, Wells, Septic Systems for Defects - Home Buyers and Home Owners
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Plumbing systems inspection, diagnosis, repair: all topics

Hot water: how to get more hot water flow, quantity, performance from your water heater

Oil tanks, how to find, inspect, test, remove above ground or buried oil tanks. Oil tank piping advice.

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

Plumbing system inspection, testing, & repairs

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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, water testing and water treatment. New York State License # 16000005303 (inception to 2008) Reproduction of this web page electronically at other websites is prohibited.

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Oil & Gas Fuel Supply Piping and Tanks
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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
OIL & GAS PIPING
GAS PIPING, VALVES, CONTROLS
OIL TANK PIPING DEFECTS
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.

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
- OIL TANKS
- HOME BUYERS GUIDE TO OIL TANKS
  ABOVE GROUND OIL TANK INSPECTIONS
  BURIED OIL TANK ADVICE
  BURIED TANKS, FINDING
  FLOATING UP TANKS
  FUEL OIL TYPES & CHARACTERISTICS
  OIL TANK PIPING DEFECTS
    CAULK PIPE ENTRANCES
    FIRE SAFETY CONTROLS
    HEAT TAPE HAZARD ON OIL TANK
    OIL FILL & VENT
    OIL FILL PIPE EXPOSED
    OIL FILL / VENT PIPE CAP LOST
    OIL FILL & VENT PIPES
  SLUDGE IN OIL TANKS
  TANK ABANDONING
  TANK FAILURE CAUSES
  TANK FAILURE RATES
  TANK LEGAL ISSUES
  TANK LEAK ADVICE
  TANK LIFE
  TANK REMOVAL COs
  TANK REMOVAL FINANCIAL AID
  TANK REGULATIONS
  TANK REPORT LANGUAGE
  TANK SLUDGE
  TANK STANDARDS
  TANK TESTING
  TANK TESTING COs
  WATER in OIL TANKS

Onsite Waste Disposal - Septic Systems Inspection & Testing Procedures

The Septic System Information Website - Extensive, Detailed Consumer and Industry Information on Septic System Inspection, Testing, Maintenance, Alternatives for on-site waste disposal

SEPTIC INFO ARTICLES
  Info for Home Buyers or Owners
  Septic System Design
  Septic Inspection Testing
  Septic Maintenance Repair
  Septic Videos
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 provides for 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 provides for 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

SEPTIC DRAINFIELD LOCATION: how to find the septic drain field or leaching bed

DRYWELL DESIGN & USES 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

OUTHOUSES & LATRINES - types, design, inspection, safety warnings

Outhouse or Latrine Fire and Explosion - methane gas explosion and fire

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 provides for 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 abnormal 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 ALTERNATIVES - various types of toilets, alternative designs, camping, chemical, composting, disabled-use, graywater, holding tank, incinerating, outhouses

TOILET OVERFLOW EMERGENCY: how to stop a toilet from overflowing

TOILET REPAIR GUIDE how to diagnose and repair problems with toilets, leaks, flushes, odors, noises, running and wasted water

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
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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
CISTERNS - for water storage outside or inside of buildings; rainwater storage; water tank types.
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 building 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
TIMERS for ELECTRIC WATER HEATERS save on hot water heating cost
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 & CONDITIONERS 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

Photograph of this interesting double s-trap.

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
BAD MUNICIPAL WATER PRESSURE or FLOW - how to improve water pressure and flow in a building with poor or intermittent municipal water supply
BAD WELL WATER PRESSURE or FLOW - how to improve water pressure and flow in a building served by a private well and pump
CHINESE DRYWALL HAZARDS discusses Chinese drywall odors, sulphur smells, and corrosive outgassing hazards in buildings. Major costs to remove this product, repair or replace electrical wiring, plumbing, and HVAC components may be involved, and there may be immediate safety hazards due to damaged smoke detectors or carbon monoxide detectors in buildings where Chinese drywall outgassing has caused damage.
CISTERNS - for water storage outside or inside of buildings; rainwater storage; water tank types.
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
COPPER PIPING in BUILDINGS
CROSS CONNECTIONS, PLUMBING - bacterial contamination of building piping - sources
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.
GALVANIZED STEEL WATER PIPING
LEAD PIPES in BUILDINGS - identification of lead drain or water supply piping, durability, leaks, health questions
LEAD IN DRINKING WATER, HOW to REDUCE - Lead water supply piping as a possible health concern? Leak concern?
LEAD WATER PIPING HAZARDS & REMEDIES - Guide to testing for lead contamination caused by water pipes
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?
PIPING IN BUILDINGS, Clogs Leaks Types - MAIN PAGE on building supply and drain piping
Plastic Water Supply & Drain Piping Failures, Leaks, Repairs, Lawsuits: Water Supply Piping Defects and Plastic or polybutylene water supply piping failures, leaks, and litigation.
  PLASTIC PIPING
    ABS Plastic Pipes
    Polybutylene Plumbing Plastic Pipes
    Cross-Linked Polyethylene (PEX) Pipe
    Polybutylene (PB) Pipes
    CPVC Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride Pipe
    PB Polybutylene Pipe Failure Claims
  PLASTIC PIPE LEAK CAUSES
PLUMBING DRAIN NOISE DIAGNOSIS: may indicate defective or clogged plumbing: how to diagnose and cure drain sounds
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
WATER HEATERS for HOME HEATING USE? - is this an efficient way to heat your home? what is the impact on heater warranty & life?
WATER PRESSURE & FLOW MEASUREMENT - how do we measure water pressure and water flow rate in a building?
WATER PRESSURE LOSS DIAGNOSIS & REPAIR - how to diagnose and correct poor water pressure in any building
WATER PRESSURE REGULATOR ADJUST - how to adjust the water pressure regulator on a municipal water supplied building
WATER SHUTOFF VALVE LOCATION, USE where to find and how to turn off the main water valve in buildings
WATER SOFTENERS & CONDITIONERS - how to treat hard water to avoid pipe clogging and other water problems
WATER TANK SAFETY
  Water Pump Safety
  Water Storage Tank Health & Safety
  Types of Plastic Water Tanks
  How to ID Type of Plastic Water Tank
  Water Storage Tank Safety Checklists

SUPPLY PIPING - Water Supply Piping Defects and Plastic or polybutylene water supply piping failures, leaks, and litigation

CHINESE DRYWALL HAZARDS discusses Chinese drywall odors, sulphur smells, and corrosive outgassing hazards in buildings. Major costs to remove this product, repair or replace electrical wiring, plumbing, and HVAC components may be involved, and there may be immediate safety hazards due to damaged smoke detectors or carbon monoxide detectors in buildings where Chinese drywall outgassing has caused damage.
CROSS CONNECTIONS, PLUMBING - bacterial contamination of building piping - sources
PIPING IN BUILDINGS, Clogs Leaks Types - MAIN PAGE on building supply and drain piping
Plastic Water Supply & Drain Piping Failures, Leaks, Repairs, Lawsuits: Water Supply Piping Defects and Plastic or polybutylene water supply piping failures, leaks, and litigation.
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: see PLASTIC PIPING - Leaks, Repairs, Lawsuits: Water Supply Piping Defects and Plastic or polybutylene water supply piping failures, leaks, and litigation. Our main article on plastic supply and drain piping leaks, failures, litigation, repairs, at PLASTIC PIPING.

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
- Mixing Valves to avoid scalding hot water
- Tankless Coil Leaks and how to evaluate and repair them

WATER HEATERS - a detailed guide to all types of hot water sources, problems, inspection, repair

WATER PUMP SAFETY - critical safety controls and relief valves for water pumps and water tan ks
Water Pressure Adjustment how to adjust the water pressure in a building
WATER PRESSURE & FLOW MEASUREMENT - how do we measure water pressure and water flow rate in a building?
WATER PRESSURE LOSS DIAGNOSIS & REPAIR - how to diagnose and correct poor water pressure in any building
WATER PRESSURE REGULATOR ADJUST - how to adjust the water pressure regulator on a municipal water supplied building
Water Pressure Loss - Pump Diagnosis how to determine why water pressure has been lost or why there is no water at all in a building
WATER PRESSURE LOSS how to diagnose the cause of bad water pressure
WATER PRESSURE BOOSTING how to install a system to increase water pressure at a building
WATER SHUTOFF VALVE LOCATION, USE where to find and how to turn off the main water valve in buildings
WATER SOFTENERS & CONDITIONERS - how to treat hard water to avoid pipe clogging and other water problems

Water Tanks, Water Pumps, Well Pumps

BAD WELL WATER PRESSURE or FLOW - how to improve water pressure and flow in a building served by a private well and pump
WATER TANK TYPES: WATER, OIL, EXPANSION, ALL what are the types of water pressure tanks, how are they tested, maintained, repaired
-   CISTERNS
    HOT WATER TANKS, RANGE BOILERS
    HOT WATER TANKS, INDIRECT FIRED
    EXPANSION TANKS, ATTIC
    EXPANSION TANKS, BOILERS
    OIL STORAGE TANKS
    RAINWATER STORAGE TANKS
    REPLACEMENT WATER TANKS
    WATER PRESSURE BOOSTING
    WATER PRESSURE TANKS, BLADDER TYPE
    WATER PRESSURE TANKS, FIBERGLASS
    WATER PRESSURE TANKS, STEEL
    WATER STORAGE TANKS, GROUND LEVEL
    WATER STORAGE TANKS, LARGE
    WATER STORAGE TANKS, OPEN
    WATER STORAGE TANKS, ROOFTOP
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 PRESSURE & FLOW MEASUREMENT - how do we measure water pressure and water flow rate in a building?
WATER PRESSURE LOSS DIAGNOSIS & REPAIR - how to diagnose and correct poor water pressure in any building
WATER PRESSURE REGULATOR ADJUST - how to adjust the water pressure regulator on a municipal water supplied building
Water Requirements, Home & Outdoor Living
Water Tank Air Charge how to fix a water tank that has lost its air charge
WATER TANK REPAIRS - 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.
WATER TANK SAFETY - water tank safety and water tank plastics and contaminants health warnings
  Water Pump Safety
  Water Storage Tank Health & Safety
  Types of Plastic Water Tanks
  How to ID Type of Plastic Water Tank
  Water Storage Tank Safety Checklists
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
- Basement Wells as a water source, what to watch out for, how to inspect, test, make safe
- CISTERNS - what are the types of cisterns, where are they found, when are they acceptable for drinking water storage or supply?
- Diagnostic Guides for water pumps, wells, motors, in table form:
  - ELECTRIC MOTOR DIAGNOSTIC GUIDE
  - SHORT CYCLING DIAGNOSTIC GUIDE
  - WATER PRESSURE PROBLEM DIAGNOSTIC GUIDE
  - WATER PUMP PROBLEM DIAGNOSTIC GUIDE for a table of diagnostic steps for jet pumps.
- Drilled Wells - steel casings and also bored wells, how to inspect, diagnose, & repair well problems
- Drilled Well with Submersible Pump what is a submersible pump, how to inspect, diagnose, & repair
- Dug Wells - hand dug well use, safety, sanitation, and digging procedure. Case study of providing sanitary water from a hand dug well.
- Drilled Wells - steel casings and also bored wells, how to inspect, diagnose, & repair well problems
- Drilled Well with Submersible Pump what is a submersible pump, how to inspect, diagnose, & repair
- Dug Wells - hand dug well use, safety, sanitation, and digging procedure. Case study of providing sanitary water from a hand dug well.
- Shallow Well with One Line Jet Pump what is a one line jet pump, how to inspect, diagnose, & repair
- Well with Two Line Jet Pump what is a two line jet pump, how to inspect, diagnose, & repair
- Driven Point Wells what is a driven point well, what are its characteristics?
- Hand Dug Well Procedure - a case study of the process of digging a well and assuring that its water supply is sanitary.
- How Much Water is In the Well? how do we find out well water quantity - well flow rates or draw down tests
- How to Test Well Water Quantity how can a homeowner or home buyer make a simple well water quantity test
- How to Get More Water From a Well how to improve well water yield - steps to try before drilling a new well
- Hand Dug Wells what are they, can they be sanitary and safe?
- Springs as Water Supply what are they, can they be sanitary and safe?
- Well Pits - special warnings for properties where the well and well equipment, pump, tank, etc. are outside in a pit
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 PIPING LEAK DIAGNOSIS - a leak in the water piping anywhere between the well bottom and the buildng can wreak havoc
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

How Much Water is In the Well? how do we find out well water quantity - well flow rates or draw down tests
How to Test Well Water Quantity how can a homeowner or home buyer make a simple well water quantity test
    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 how to improve well water yield - steps to try before drilling a new well
ODORS IN WATER - if your well water smells bad here is how to diagnose and fix the problem
WATER PRESSURE & FLOW MEASUREMENT - how do we measure water pressure and water flow rate in a building?
WATER PRESSURE LOSS DIAGNOSIS & REPAIR - how to diagnose and correct poor water pressure in any building
WATER PRESSURE REGULATOR ADJUST - how to adjust the water pressure regulator on a municipal water supplied building
WATER SOFTENERS & CONDITIONERS - how to treat hard water to avoid pipe clogging and other water problems
Water Testing for contaminants in drinking water - what test are available, what tests to ask for, what they cost, how people cheat on water tests

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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PLUMBING TOPICS
AGE of Plumbing Materials & Fixtures
AIR DISCHARGE at FAUCETS, FIXTURES
APPLIANCE EFFICIENCY RATINGS
BATHROOM MOLD
BLOCKED DRAIN REPAIR METHODS
BOILERS, HEATING
BUILDING SAFETY HAZARDS GUIDE
CARBON MONOXIDE/DIOXIDE
CHECK VALVES
CHIMNEY INSPECTION DIAGNOSIS REPAIR
Chlorine - sources in drinking water
CISTERNS
CLOGGED DRAIN DIAGNOSIS & REPAIR
CLOGGED SUPPLY PIPING
CONDENSATION or SWEATING PIPES, TANKS
CROSS CONNECTIONS, PLUMBING
DRAIN a WATER HEATER TANK
DRINKING WATER - EMERGENCY PURIFICATION
DRINKING WATER - EMERGENCY SOURCES
FLOOD DAMAGE ASSESSMENT, SAFETY & CLEANUP
FREEZE-PROOF A BUILDING
GAS PIPING, VALVES, CONTROLS
HARD WATER - SOFTENERS
HEAT TAPES, Heat, Insulation prevent Freeze-Up
HOT WATER HEATERS
LEAD POISONING HAZARDS GUIDE
LEAD WATER PIPING HAZARDS & REMEDIES
LEED GREEN BUILDING CERTIFICATION
MANUALS & PARTS GUIDES - HVAC
MUNICIPAL WATER PRESSURE IMPROVEMENTS
MOLD INFORMATION CENTER
MVOCs & MOLDY MUSTY ODORS
NOISE / SOUND DIAGNOSIS & CURE
NOISE CONTROL for PLUMBING
NOISES COMING FROM WATER HEATER
ODORS & SMELLS DIAGNOSIS & CURE
ODORS in WATER
ODORS, SEPTIC or SEWER
ODORS, SULPHUR SMELL SOURCES
ODORS, URINE REMOVAL
SEWER GAS ODORS
SEWER GAS ODORS in COLD WEATHER
OIL FIRED WATER HEATERS
OIL-FIRED BOILERS, HEATING
OIL & GAS PIPING
OIL TANKS
OUTHOUSES & LATRINES

PIPING IN BUILDINGS, Clogs Leaks Types
  AGE OF PIPING
  AIR DISCHARGE at FAUCETS, FIXTURES
  BRASS WATER PIPES
  CAST IRON DRAIN PIPING
  CAST IRON DRAIN LEAK, ODOR, REPAIR
  CHECK VALVES
  CHINESE DRYWALL HAZARDS
  COMPRESSION FITTINGS
  COPPER PIPING in BUILDINGS
  CLOGGED DRAIN DIAGNOSIS
    FIRST SIGNS of DRAIN CLOGGING
    DRAIN vs SEPTIC
    BLOCKED DRAIN?
    DRAIN DRAINFIELD DIAGNOSTIC TABLE
    PLUMBING DRAIN NOISE DIAGNOSIS
  CLOGGED SUPPLY PIPING / Tankless Coil & Hot Water
    Water pipe clog diagnosis
    Water pipe clog repair guide
  CONDENSATION or SWEATING PIPES, TANKS
  CROSS CONNECTIONS, PLUMBING
  DIAELECTRIC PIPE FITTINGS
  DRAIN & SEWER PIPING
  DRAIN NOISES
  FLARE FITTINGS
  FREEZE-PROOF PIPES
  GAS PIPING, VALVES, CONTROLS
  GALVANIZED STEEL WATER PIPING
  LEAD PIPES in BUILDINGS
  LEAD IN DRINKING WATER, HOW to REDUCE
  LEAD POISONING HAZARDS GUIDE
  LEAD WATER PIPING HAZARDS & REMEDIES
  LEAK TYPES, Water Supply/Drain Pipe
  OIL TANK PIPING DEFECTS
  PLASTIC PIPING
  PLASTIC PIPE LEAK CAUSES
  PLUMBING DRAIN CLEANOUTS
  PLUMBING DRAIN VENTS
  PLUMBING DRAIN NOISE DIAGNOSIS
  PLUMBING VENT DEFINITIONS & TYPES
  PLUMBING VENT DEFECTS & NOISES
  REPAIR BURST LEAKY PIPES
  SEPTIC BACKUP PREVENTION
  SEPTIC BACKUP REPAIR
  SEWER BACKUP PREVENTION
  SEWER GAS ODORS
  SEWER GAS ODORS in COLD WEATHER
  SEWER BACKUP PREVENTION
  SEWER LINE REPLACEMENT
  SOUND CONTROL for PLUMBING
  TRAPS on DRAINS
  VALVES, PLUMBING
  VENT PIPING
  Water pipe clog diagnosis
  Water pipe clog repair guide
  WELL PIPING LEAK DIAGNOSIS
  WATER HAMMER NOISE DIAGNOSE & CURE
  WATER PRESSURE LOSS

PLUMBING FIXTURES
AIR DISCHARGE at FAUCETS, FIXTURES
PLUMBING FIXTURE TRAPS
FAUCETS & CONTROLS
SHOWERS TUBS
SINKS
TOILET ALTERNATIVES
  General Categories of Waterless
  Camping & Emergency Toilets
  Chemical Toilets
  Composting Toilets
  Disabled or Elderly-Use Toilets
  Greywater Septic Systems
  Holding Tank Septic Systems
  Incinerator Toilet Systems
  OUTHOUSES & LATRINES
TOILET OVERFLOW EMERGENCY
TOILET REPAIR GUIDE
  Toilet Won't Flush at All
  Toilet Drain Clogged
  Toilet Flushes Poorly
  Toilet Runs Continuously
  Leaky Toilet Seals - Odors
  Loose Toilet Repairs
TOILET TISSUE?
TOILET TISSUE TEST
TOILET TYPES
TRAPS on PLUMBING FIXTURES
TUBS & TUB REPLACEMENTS or RELINERS

PUMPS & WELLS
RANGE BOILERS
RELIEF VALVES - TP Valves on Boilers
Relief Valves - Water Heaters
SEPTIC SYSTEM INSPECT DIAGNOSE REPAIR
SEPTIC & CESSPOOL SAFETY
SEWAGE CONTAMINATION in BUILDINGS
SEWAGE CONTAMINANTS in FRUIT / VEGETABLES
SEWAGE PATHOGENS in SEPTIC SLUDGE
SEWER BACKUP PREVENTION
SEWER GAS ODORS
SEWER LINE REPLACEMENT
SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS
SUMP PUMPS GUIDE
SWEATING (CONDENSATION) on PIPES, TANKS
TANK TYPES: WATER, OIL, EXPANSION, ALL
TANKLESS COILS
TANKLESS WATER HEATERS
Temperature Pressure Relief Valves - Water Heaters
TIMERS for ELECTRIC WATER HEATERS
TOILET ALTERNATIVES
TOILET OVERFLOW EMERGENCY
TOILET REPAIR GUIDE
TOILET TISSUE?
TOILET TISSUE TEST
TOILET TYPES
TRAPS on PLUMBING FIXTURES

WATER HEATERS
AGE of WATER HEATERS
ALTERNATIVE HOT WATER SOURCES
ELECTRIC WATER HEATERS
GAS FIRED WATER HEATERS
SPILL SWITCHES - Flue Gas Detection
HOT WATER IMPROVEMENTS
HOT WATER DELIVERY SPEED UP
HOT WATER PRESSURE LOSS
HOT WATER QUANTITY IMPROVEMENT
INDIRECT FIRED WATER HEATERS
MIXING VALVES
NO HEAT - NO HOT WATER: HEATER DIAGNOSIS
NOISES COMING FROM WATER HEATER
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 BACKUP PREVENTION
SEWER GAS ODORS
SEWER LINE REPLACEMENT
SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS
SOLAR HOT WATER HEATERS
SOOT on OIL FIRED HEATING EQUIPMENT
SPILL SWITCHES - Flue Gas Detection
TANKLESS COILS
TANKLESS WATER HEATERS
Temperature Pressure Relief Valves - Water Heaters
TIMERS for ELECTRIC WATER HEATERS
Water Heater Noises
WATER HEATER PROPERTIES
Water Heater Scale - De-Liming Procedures

WATER FILTERS
WATER PUMPS, TANKS, TESTS, WELLS, REPAIRS
WATER PUMPS & WELLS
WATER PUMP SAFETY
WATER PUMP CAPACITIES TYPES RATES GPM
WATER PUMP CONTROLS & SWITCHES
WATER PUMP PRESSURE CONTROL ADJUSTMENT
WATER PUMP PRESSURE CONTROL REPAIR
WATER PUMP REPAIR GUIDE
WATER PUMP PROBLEM DIAGNOSTIC GUIDE
WATER PUMP SAFETY
WATER PUMP SHORT CYCLING
WATER PUMP TYPES & LIFE EXPECTANCY
WATER PRESSURE & FLOW MEASUREMENT
WATER PRESSURE GAUGE ACCURACY
WATER PRESSURE LOSS DIAGNOSIS & REPAIR
WATER PRESSURE PROBLEM DIAGNOSTIC GUIDE
WATER PRESSURE REGULATOR ADJUST
WATER PRESSURE REPAIR GUIDE - WELLS
WATER QUALITY TESTS, CONTAMINANTS, TREATMENT
WATER QUANTITY IMPROVEMENT
WATER QUANTITY USAGE GUIDE
WATER SHUTOFF VALVE LOCATION, USE
WATER SOFTENERS & CONDITIONERS
WATER SOURCE ALTERNATIVES
WATER SUPPLY & DRAIN PIPING
WATER TANK AIR, HOW TO ADD
WATER TANK TYPES: WATER, OIL, EXPANSION, ALL
WATER TANK AIR, HOW TO ADD
WATER TANK BLADDERS & CAPTIVE AIR
WATER TANK CAPTIVE AIR vs TRADITIONAL WellMate
WATER TANK LIFE EXPECTANCY
WATER TANK PRESSURE CALCULATIONS
WATER TANK PRESSURE GAUGE
WATER TANK PRESSURE GAUGE ACCURACY
WATER TANK PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE
WATER TANK REPAIRS
WATER TANK DRAIN VALVE
WATER TANK REPLACEMENT
WATER TANK SAFETY
WATER TANK SIZE & VOLUME
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 QUALITY TESTS, CONTAMINANTS, TREATMENT
WATER TEST CHOICES & WATER TEST FEES
WATER TEST FEES
WATER TEST INTERPRETATION
WATER TREATMENT EQUIPMENT CHOICES
WELLS CISTERNS & SPRINGS
WINTERIZE A BUILDING

Carson, Dunlop & Associates Ltd., 120 Carlton Street Suite 407, Toronto ON M5A 4K2. (416) 964-9415 1-800-268-7070 info@carsondunlop.com. Thanks to Alan Carson and Bob Dunlop, for permission to use illustrations from their publication, The Illustrated Home which illustrates construction details and building components. Carson Dunlop provides home inspection education including the ASHI-adopted Home Inspection Training Program (home study course), publications such as the Home Reference Book, report writing materials including the Horizon report writer, 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 between 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 settlement Plumbing Failures: Spencer Class settlement. 10% of replacement cost/damages, only for acetal (plastic)fittings Polybutylene 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

Books & Articles on Building & Environmental Inspection, Testing, Diagnosis, & Repair

Our recommended books about building & mechanical systems design, inspection, problem diagnosis, and repair, and about indoor environment and IAQ testing, diagnosis, and cleanup are at the InspectAPedia Bookstore. Also see our Book Reviews - InspectAPedia.
Plumbing Diagnosis & Repair: Water supply, drainage, septic systems, water testing, water contamination, defective plumbing materials & products.

The Home Reference Book - the Encyclopedia of Homes, Carson Dunlop & Associates, Toronto, Ontario, 2010, $69.00 U.S., is available from Carson Dunlop, and from the InspectAPedia bookstore. The 2010 edition of the Home Reference Book is a bound volume of more than 450 illustrated pages that assist home inspectors and home owners in the inspection and detection of problems on buildings. The text is intended as a reference guide to help building owners operate and maintain their home effectively. InspectAPedia.com ^® author/editor Daniel Friedman is a contributing author. Field inspection worksheets are included at the back of the volume.

Carbon Monoxide Gas Toxicity, exposure limits, poisoning symptoms, and inspecting buildings for CO hazards
Cheating on water tests: Testing Water for Real Estate Transactions - make sure your water test is valid
Don't Flush these things into a septic system
Drain Noises: may indicate defective or clogged plumbing: how to diagnose and cure drain sounds
Drinking Water Testing Advice for home buyers home owners home inspectors
Interpreting Drinking Water Test Results and Correcting Unsatisfactory Water
Drinking Water Contaminant Levels - Maximum Allowed
HOT WATER HEATERS - a detailed guide to all types of hot water sources, problems, inspection, repair
HOT WATER PRESSURE LOSS - how to diagnose sudden loss of hot water pressure
Lead Contamination in Drinking Water: Testing & Correction - Advice (This Article)
Lead Testing & Correcting Contamination from Lead Water Supply Lines/Entry Mains - Lead Pipe Problems/Advice
SEPTIC SYSTEM INSPECT DIAGNOSE REPAIR The Septic Systems Information Website
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 abnormal sewage levels in septic tanks and what do they mean about tank condition, leaks, etc.
Sewer Line Replacement diagnosing a clogged drain leads to drain line replacement - step by step photo-illustrated guide to drain replacement
Water Pressure Loss - Diagnosis how to determine why water pressure has been lost or why there is no water at all in a building
Water pump and pressure tank repair diagnosis & cost an specific case offers an example of diagnosis of loss of water pressure, loss of water, and analyzes the actual repair cost
Water testing for Pesticides: comprehensive and pesticides-example parameters
Water Testing: background comments on classes of water contaminants, & links to home buyer advice about water testing, drinking water, water supply
When and How to Shock or Chlorinate a Well - Procedure for Shocking a Well to (temporarily or maybe longer) "Correct" Bacterial Contamination
Water Requirements, Home & Outdoor Living
Typical Water Tests & Fees this water test fee schedule applies when testing is combined with other onsite building inspection services
Water pump and pressure tank repair diagnosis & cost an specific case offers an example of diagnosis of loss of water pressure, loss of water, and analyzes the actual repair cost
Water pressure tank failures & water pump short cycling diagnosis and repair
...

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