Strange happenings

[twasion]

When I was a service plumber that would be the first thing I would check. You would be surprised at what problems a simple ball **** can cause.

[twasion]

It's a ball C-O-C-K. I'm not being nasty here but evendently the program thinks I am.

[Doug Edwards, CMI]

Are you wanting to know what the cause is so you can write that in the report? If so, that goes beyond the scope of the home inspection and gets into troubleshooting. It "could" be any number of things. Unless we know exactly what is causing the problem or the anomaly we should refer it to the experts. Even then it is extremely thin ice to diagnose problems as we might not be right, the buyer fixes what they now believe to be the cause and later it turns out not to be the cause.

The definition of cross-connections is the actual or potential connections between potable and non-potable water supply; constitutes a serious public health hazard. There are literally dozens of different ways for cross connections to occur. Anytime you have supply water moving from one fixture to another it is safe to bet it isn't normal and needs to be addressed and corrected. As explained by Tony, one of them is unequal pressures between units or within a system.

[wsiegel]

Doug,

Not diagnosing here. I already wrote it up for repair by a licensed plumber. I was just curious if anyone knew what might cause the problem, and how serious it might be.

[Doug Edwards, CMI]

William,
Thanks for your reply. Not trying to overreach anyone but I see so many HI get over into problem analysis and end up having a problem. Glad to hear your response. I find even for myself having to pull back and resist the urge to develop a diagnosis and a "solution" for my customers. I think this business attracts people who genuinely like to help and are naturally curious, detail oriented and opinionated.

[John Cahill]

Tony is right. Seen it myself.

[klott]

It sounds to me like the fill valve on the toilet is leaking. But not while the tub faucet is on because of reduced pressure. That's my theory. Whatever that's worth. Ken

[klott]

Originally Posted by dedwards

Are you wanting to know what the cause is so you can write that in the report? If so, that goes beyond the scope of the home inspection and gets into troubleshooting. It "could" be any number of things. Unless we know exactly what is causing the problem or the anomaly we should refer it to the experts. Even then it is extremely thin ice to diagnose problems as we might not be right, the buyer fixes what they now believe to be the cause and later it turns out not to be the cause.

The definition of cross-connections is the actual or potential connections between potable and non-potable water supply; constitutes a serious public health hazard. There are literally dozens of different ways for cross connections to occur. Anytime you have supply water moving from one fixture to another it is safe to bet it isn't normal and needs to be addressed and corrected. As explained by Tony, one of them is unequal pressures between units or within a system.

it does not really matter if there is a cross connection form the same water source the last thing downstream before entering the toilet is the fill valve. Ken

[klott]

Sorry to keep jumping in here, but as far as being beyond the scope of an inspection i should be able and willing to make a diagnosis and a recommendation on something I'm knowledgeble about if it is a simple problem. It will help the client and the client's agent to have confidence that I know what I'm doing so that maybe the agent's will not have to send a specialist instead of a HI. Plus I think it help's me to see not only the problem but what caused the problem. Bottom line I'll be a better HI for it. It's a judgement call. Ken

[wforsyth]

Originally Posted by klott

Sorry to keep jumping in here, but as far as being beyond the scope of an inspection i should be able and willing to make a diagnosis and a recommendation on something I'm knowledgeble about if it is a simple problem. It will help the client and the client's agent to have confidence that I know what I'm doing so that maybe the agent's will not have to send a specialist instead of a HI. Plus I think it help's me to see not only the problem but what caused the problem. Bottom line I'll be a better HI for it. It's a judgement call. Ken

Then you step outside the SoP and open yourself up for liability correct?

[klott]

Do I?

[klott]

Originally Posted by wforsyth

Then you step outside the SoP and open yourself up for liability correct?

Don't get me wronghere, I would still advise the client to get a licensed plumbing contractor and I would only give them my opinion verbally to cover myself. Sorry I guess I should have been clearer. Ken

[wforsyth]

Oh I'm sorry. I guess I just assumed it was in the report. Apologies.

[twasion]

Originally Posted by klott

It sounds to me like the fill valve on the toilet is leaking. But not while the tub faucet is on because of reduced pressure. That's my theory. Whatever that's worth. Ken

Could have been a leaking fill valve/flapper and it just happened to touch of the ball c-o-ck at the same time. I would still go with the ball c-o-ck though. FYI. When ever I changed a ball c-o-ck I also changed the flapper. No since them calling me back a week later to fix something that takes 30 seconds to replace.

Another FYI on ball c-o-cks. Sometimes when one goes bad it can cause excessive water hammer. I had one at a call center that when it kicked on it sounded like the building was coming apart. This usually happens just as the last water is going into the tank and the valve is almost closed.

[klott]

Originally Posted by twasion

Could have been a leaking fill valve/flapper and it just happened to touch of the ball c-o-ck at the same time. I would still go with the ball c-o-ck though. FYI. When ever I changed a ball c-o-ck I also changed the flapper. No since them calling me back a week later to fix something that takes 30 seconds to replace.

Another FYI on ball c-o-cks. Sometimes when one goes bad it can cause excessive water hammer. I had one at a call center that when it kicked on it sounded like the building was coming apart. This usually happens just as the last water is going into the tank and the valve is almost closed.

The purpose of a ball **** or float is to raise with the water level and shut off the fill valve when the tank is full. The flapper is lifted when the handle is pushed down and allows the water to drop down the drain line which in turn siphons the water and waste from the bowl. As the tank begins to refill if you look you will see a small tube that goes from the top of the fill valve to a larger pipe that simultaneously fills the bowl. If the flapper rod is not adjusted right it might not be exerting enough leverage to close the fill valve.As far as the ballcock goes the only reason to replace it woyld be if it has a hole in it and is filling with water. Ken