Home Inspection Library J C Weise Home Inspector Atlanta, GA www.UpscaleInspections.com

Inspecting Faucets And Drains
Functual Water Flow And Drainage

Functional water flow
I determine functional water flow to the greatest extent possible by flushing the toilet while running water at the shower and/or bathtub and at the sink, and with the dishwasher also running. Note that using all systems or appliances might not have been possible due to site-specific conditions, such as a dishwasher that did not work or storage in the sinks or bathtubs. Also note that determining functional water flow is a very subjective determination, so if you have any questions about whether or not you will have good water flow when several people are taking showers at the same time, or when the dishwasher or washer is running when you are taking a shower, run some tests yourself as soon as you close escrow, or earlier if possible. You should also consult with your Atlanta Realtor about how you can protect your financial investment if functional water flow is not satisfactory after you close escrow.

Functional drainage
I determine functional drainage to the greatest extent possible by flushing the toilet while draining water in a sink, bathtub, and/or shower at the same time, and with the dishwasher also running. Note that using all systems or appliances might not have been possible due to site-specific conditions, such as a dishwasher that did not work or storage in the sinks or bathtubs. Also note that determining functional drainage is a very subjective determination, so if you have any questions about whether or not you will have good drainage when several people are taking showers at the same time, or when the dishwasher or washer is running, run some tests yourself as soon as you close escrow, or earlier if possible. You should also consult with your Atlanta Realtor about how you can protect your financial investment if functional drainage is not satisfactory after you close escrow.

Drainage cleanout caps
No attempt was made to locate drainage cleanout caps. They typically are located in the garage; in sink cabinets; on exterior walls near the kitchen, laundry, and bathrooms; or in the ground near those same rooms. There can be more than one. If you do not find any drainage cleanout caps, have a licensed Atlanta plumbing professional find them. Sometimes they have been stuccoed over on exterior walls, and sometimes landscape professionals cover them up when they are in the ground. A licensed Atlanta plumbing professional will also be able to remove the cleanout caps and determine the overall condition of the interior of the drainage system pipes. Some even have remote-control video equipment to check out the interior of inaccessible drainage pipes, particularly those near trees that might be blocked by tree roots.                     

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