Plumbing Items
Jason Coe, New York State License #16000158429
Plumbing System Summary
The plumbing system was visually inspected and functionally tested where accessible and practical during the inspection. The evaluation included visible supply lines, drain/waste/vent piping, water heating equipment, and a representative number of plumbing fixtures throughout the home. The following summarizes our findings of the buildings HVAC system:
Plumbing Items
Major Concerns
- P-1 🚰Plumbing - Waste Pipe and Discharge:
A damaged waste pipe was observed in the laundry area, with the open end stuffed with rags as a makeshift seal. While no sewer odor was detected at the time of inspection, this condition is unsafe and may allow sewer gases or moisture to enter the building.
Improperly sealed drain lines pose a sanitation and air quality hazard and are not compliant with plumbing standards.
RECOMMENDATION: Have a licensed plumbing contractor properly cap, repair, or replace the damaged waste pipe to ensure a sealed and code-compliant connection. This will prevent sewer gas infiltration and maintain a safe and sanitary environment.
🚽🚿🚰 - B31-5 🚽🛁🚿Bathroom-Full (3) - Bathtub / Shower:
The shower fixtures were not operated during the inspection due to visible buildup of mineral scale and what appeared to be organic growth on the components. Operating the fixtures in this condition could have caused damage or clogging to the plumbing system. The observed buildup suggests a lack of maintenance and potential deterioration of internal parts.
The condition indicates that the fixtures are likely beyond normal service life and may not operate properly or hygienically without significant repair or replacement.
RECOMMENDATION: Have a licensed plumbing contractor further evaluate and service the shower assembly, including internal supply lines and valves. Full replacement of the shower unit, valve, and trim is recommended to ensure safe, reliable operation and to restore proper sanitation and water flow.
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Moderate Repairs
- RCG-6 🧱Roof, Chimney and Gutters - Plumbing Vents:
The flashing around the plumbing vent penetrations was observed to be flaking, deteriorated, and in need of maintenance or replacement. In addition, the plumbing vent stacks were noted to be too short, with their terminations located less than 12 inches above the finished roof surface, which does not meet current standards for proper clearance.
Insufficient vent height can allow snow, debris, or roof runoff to obstruct the vent openings, reducing the plumbing system’s ability to vent properly and potentially causing slow drainage or trap siphoning inside the home.
RECOMMENDATION: Have a qualified roofing or plumbing contractor replace the deteriorated flashing and extend the vent pipes to meet the current standard of at least 12 inches above the finished roof surface, ensuring proper sealing and long-term weather resistance.
🚽🚿🚰🧱 - K-4 🧑🍳🔪Kitchen - Sinks and Faucets/ Plumbing:
S-TRAP AT THE KITCHEN SINK WASTE PIPING
The waste plumbing to the kitchen sink is not properly vented and has an S-trap configuration. This trapping is no longer allowed as it risks siphoning the trap and allowing sewer gas to enter the home.
RECOMMENDATION: Hire a licensed plumber to repair with proper venting loop or an air admittance valve.
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- B21-4 🚽🛁🚿Bathroom-Full (2) - Bathtub / Shower:
The shower diverter was observed to be sticking and difficult to operate, and it could not be fully engaged during testing. This may cause reduced water pressure or improper flow from the showerhead, indicating wear or internal malfunction.
The diverter remains partially functional but is not operating as intended and may worsen with continued use.
RECOMMENDATION: Have a qualified plumbing contractor further evaluate the shower diverter assembly and perform repairs or replacement as needed to ensure smooth operation and proper water distribution between the tub spout and showerhead.
🚽🚿🚰 - B31-3 🚽🛁🚿Bathroom-Full (3) - Sinks and Cabinets:
During the inspection, the sink fixtures were tested, and it was noted that the hot and cold water handles were seized and inoperable. The handles could not be turned using normal force, preventing full testing of the water flow. This condition suggests internal corrosion, mineral buildup, or mechanical failure within the faucet assembly.
RECOMMENDATION: Have a qualified plumbing contractor further evaluate and repair or replace the faucet assembly as needed. Replacement may be the most practical option to restore full function and reliability of the sink fixture.
🚽🚿🚰 - B31-4 🚽🛁🚿Bathroom-Full (3) - Toilet:
The toilet was tested during the inspection and found to be securely mounted with no visible leaks. However, a loud gurgling sound was noted during draining, which may indicate inadequate venting or partial obstruction in the drain line. Improper venting can cause slow drainage, trap siphoning, or odors over time.
While the fixture is currently functional, the condition suggests a venting or drain performance issue that should be investigated further.
RECOMMENDATION: Have a licensed plumbing contractor evaluate the toilet drain line and venting system to determine the cause of the gurgling and perform necessary repairs to ensure proper drainage and vent function.
🚽🚿🚰 - B41-4 🚽🛁🚿Bathroom-Full (4) - Toilet:
TOILET MOUNTING ISSUES NOTED
The toilet in the third floor bath was observed to be loosely mounted at the floor. This condition can compromise the wax seal, potentially leading to leaks, water damage, or unpleasant odors. Securing the toilet properly and replacing the wax ring if needed is recommended.
RECOMMENDATION:
Hire a licensed plumber to evaluate further and repair this toilet. Examples of observations noted during the inspection include:
- The toilet is loose on the floor and twisting.
- No caulking was noted between the floor and the toilet - caulking is required.
🚽🚿🚰 - B41-5 🚽🛁🚿Bathroom-Full (4) - Bathtub / Shower:
The shower on the third floor exhibited very low water pressure during testing. The pressure was insufficient to fully engage the diverter valve, preventing water from being properly directed to the showerhead. This condition may indicate a restriction within the supply line, a failing valve, or general pressure loss at higher elevations within the plumbing system.
While the fixture is operable, the low pressure significantly affects usability and may indicate an underlying issue that requires correction.
RECOMMENDATION: Have a licensed plumbing contractor further evaluate the water supply and diverter assembly to determine the cause of the low pressure and perform necessary repairs or replacements to restore proper shower function.
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Repairs
- K-7 🧑🍳🔪Kitchen - Dishwasher:
The dishwasher discharge hose was not visible at the time of inspection, and therefore the presence of a required high loop or air gap in the drain line could not be confirmed. A proper high loop or air gap is important to prevent wastewater from backflowing into the dishwasher, which can lead to contamination or unsanitary conditions.
RECOMMENDATION: Have a qualified plumbing contractor confirm that the dishwasher drain hose is installed with an appropriate high loop or air gap in accordance with current plumbing code requirements to prevent potential backflow and ensure safe operation.
🚽🚿🚰 - BP-4 🧑🍳🔪Butler Pantry - Sinks and Faucets/ Plumbing:
CORRODED P-TRAP
Replace the corroded P-trap below the kitchen sink. There appeared to be an active leak at the time of the visit.
🚽🚿🚰 - B21-3 🚽🛁🚿Bathroom-Full (2) - Sinks and Cabinets:
LEAKING WASTE PIPING
The waste plumbing below the upstairs bathroom sink has a minor leak. The leak appears to be slow but indicates that the plumbing connections or materials are beginning to deteriorate.
RECOMMENDATION: Have a qualified plumbing contractor repair or replace the affected waste piping to ensure a watertight connection and prevent further leakage.
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Limitations
- 🏡Exterior - Exterior Hose Bib(s):
WINTERIZED HOSE BIBS
The exterior hose bibs were winterized at the time of inspection and could not be tested. Inquire with the seller to see if they are generally operable and where the shut off is located.
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JBC Home Inspections, LLC
315-720-5014
www.jbchomesinspections.com
jason@jbchomeinspections.com
New York State Inspector License No. 16000158429