Agenda - Council Work Session - 02/23/2010

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WATER HEATER The most cormnon problem found with water heaters is a missing or inadequate temperature and pressure relief valve and/or a missing or improperly installed tpr valve discharge pipe. A permit is required for water heater replacement. The water heater inspection includes a visual inspection of: • venting; must be in good condition, properly connected, with an adequate draft hood • temperature and pressure relief valve; must be properly installed and in good condition, with a properly attached discharge pipe (must extend to within 18" of floor and must be metal) • gas shut-off valve and gas line; must be properly connected in good condition; valve must not be broken • cold water shut-off valve • leaks • proper clearance to combustibles ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - A state electrical permit is required for any new or changed wiring. Though many potential electrical problems are hidden, the inspector looks for obvious conditions that can lead to electric shock or fire ignition. Potential problems include: • bare, abused, obsolete or worn wiring; splices or fixtures installed without a junction box • oversized fuses; signs of overloading • loose or damaged fixtures, switches, or outlets. • missing outlet or switch covers; missing cover plate on fuse box; missing covers on junction boxes • overhead service lines too low to ground/deck/porch, etc. (Min. 10' above; Pre-1963 a min. of 8' above) • improperly wired fixtures, switches, or outlets • unusual installations and other hazards • use of extension cords in place of permanent wiring (garage door openers, sump-pumps, etc.), is not permitted • incandescent light bulbs lacking 12" clearance to combustibles PLUMBING The most common problems found in plumbing are across-connection.of contaminated water with potable/drinking water. This can occur through improperly installed or obsolete ballcocks in toilets (lack of 1" air gap between critical water level of ballcock and top of overflow tube; or unapproved, non-anti-syphon ballcock; or through hoses left connected to faucets (laundry tub or exterior), when not in use.) Other potential problems include: • fixtures that are improperly vented • leaks; corroded traps • clean-out covers or plugs that are loose or missing • loose toilets • flexible plumbing (not permitted) for waste lines • ABS (black) and PVC (white) plastic plumbing glued together • bathtubs or sinks with porcelain worn off • lack of ventilation in bathroom (mechanical or window) • missing tiles in shower/tub area • floor drains must have covers • anti-siphon devices present on all outside hose connections, laundry tubs with threaded faucets and hand= held shower sprayers that could hang into water tubs