To watch a video version of this podcast, click here: https://youtu.be/DIzBbXZGbWo
In this episode of the Structure Talk podcast, Reuben Saltzman is joined by Eric Houseman, filling in as co-host while Tessa Murry is on maternity leave. Reuben and Eric dive into a collection of interesting and sometimes surprising home inspection findings from recent inspections.
They discuss everything from a natural-draft water heater backdrafting after a furnace replacement to a leaking shower valve hidden behind a wall, a refrigerator water line leaking into an unfinished basement, an improperly installed AFCI/GFCI breaker, sewer gas coming from an unused standpipe, and a bathtub overflow that was discovered to be leaking. They also discuss a deck with a concentrated point load improperly supported by a ledger board and why documenting defects—even when they aren't considered urgent—is important for home inspectors.
Here’s the link to Inspector Empire Builder: https://www.iebcoaching.com/events
Takeaways
Training can't cover every defect, so knowing what correct looks like is essential.
Natural-draft gas appliances may require specific utility room access.
Watch for what happens around a shower after extended use.
Run fixtures long enough to reveal hidden leaks.
Use different water temperatures to help identify leak sources.
High-efficiency furnaces can orphan older water heaters and cause backdrafting.
Worst-case conditions can reveal combustion and venting problems.
Infrared cameras can help detect hidden leaks and moisture.
Check inside cabinets and other hidden areas for electrical hazards.
Dry traps in unused standpipes can allow sewer gas into a home.
Small exterior openings can allow pest intrusion.
Test accessible bathtub overflows for leaks.
Filling and draining fixtures can reveal hidden problems.
Document defects even when immediate repairs aren't needed.
Reporting defects helps protect inspectors from future claims.
Important findings should be documented, even if they're not emergencies.
Thorough inspections require curiosity, close observation, and following clues.
Chapters
00:00 Intro & Eric Houseman Fills In as Co-Host
02:11 Inspector Empire Builder Rapid Gain Training
03:21 Eric's Home Projects & Inspection Talk
05:07 How Often Reuben and Eric Inspect in the Field
07:01 Working Alongside Inspectors in the Field
08:43 Interesting Inspection Findings
10:27 Utility Rooms, Gas Appliances & Access Requirements
11:41 Teaching Inspectors What Correct Looks Like
13:17 Eric's First Inspection Finding: A Hidden Shower Leak
16:15 Finding Water Leaking Behind the Shower
17:39 Why Inspectors Run Showers for Extended Periods
18:33 Testing Multiple Fixtures and Identifying Leaks
19:19 Backdrafting Water Heater
20:12 The Problem With an Orphaned Water Heater
21:05 Testing Under Worst-Case Conditions
22:33 Deciding Whether to Repair or Replace an Older Water Heater
24:04 Refrigerator Water Line Leak
25:49 Using Infrared Cameras During Inspections
27:40 Improper AFCI/GFCI Breaker Installation
30:22 Electrical Hazards Hidden Inside Cabinets
32:43 Sewer Gas From a Dry Standpipe
34:17 Exterior Opening and Pest Intrusion
35:19 Testing a Bathtub Overflow
37:06 Why Inspectors Should Test Accessible Overflows
40:00 Simulating Real-World Use During Inspections
41:28 Testing Integrated Sink Overflows
42:15 Concentrated Load on a Deck Ledger
44:39 Why Defects Should Still Be Reported
