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Plumbing System Defects and Issues
A sampling of the multitude of Plumbing Defects we have found.

(Click the picture for more detailed descriptions)

Plumbing - Lead Drains

Plumbing - Lead Drains

Lead drains are Very old and are somewhat rare to see in this day and age. Many plumbers will not work on them and typically insist on replacing them instead. compression splices into newer plumbing like shown here can tend to leak

Plumbing - Possible Drywell

Plumbing - Possible Drywell

MA Homes with private sewer systems (like septic / cespool / drywells) have to have a Title V Septic Inspection done. Drywells like the sink drain shown here (Note the sink drain goes through the foundation lower and to the side of the main sewer drain) This sink will likely need an ejection pump installed to pump it up and into the main Septic system's Sewer line.

Plumbing - Potential Hazard

Plumbing - Potential Hazard

The hose hooked up to the water pipe over this sink is sitting inside the sink. This can allow "dirty" contamiated sink water to get into and siphon up into the drinking water posing a potential health hazard.

Plumbing - Firestopping

Plumbing - Firestopping

All shafts (such as for wires / pipes / ducts / etc.) must be firestopped (sealed with fire resistant materials) to prevent the quick spread of fire in a home or building. This is one of the most common defects we find - and is often present - even in new homes!

Plumbing - Main Cleanouts

Plumbing - Main Cleanouts

This is a "Running Trap" in the old main 4 inch cast iron drain. (The two left cleanouts have a 4 inch "U" shaped pipe under them that holds water at all times and aids in preventing sewer gasses from entering the house. These traps often block up with "solids". The cleanout caps shown here show multiple wrench marks from frequent past openings, and the canter cap is a replacement "quick open" style cap (often an indication of past blockages)

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