Kitchen Inspection Guide

Observation

Kitchen Counter top is not secured to the base cabinet.

Observation

Kitchen sink is not secured to the counter top. A seal or gasket between the sink and counter top is also required to prevent water seepage between the surfaces.

Observation

Sink drain is missing a P trap.  A plumbing drain trap is designed to retain a small amount of water each time the sink drains, and this water standing in the bottom of the curved portion of the trap seals the drain and keeps sewer gasses from escaping the drain and entering your home.

There are traps in every drain because any connection that leads to the drain system is also a possible outlet for sewer gas. Even your toilet has an internal trap shape to its porcelain configuration that serves exactly the same function.

Observation

Galvanized water lines were observed.  The mere presence of galvanized pipes doesn’t constitute an immediate action item, but it does mean that the water distribution pipes in the house should be looked at and tested more thoroughly during the home inspection, especially if there is any evidence of past leaks.  Galvanized water lines are also known to leach lead into the domestic water system.

Observation

Overhead Range Hood exhaust fan is vented into the Attic.

Observation

Studor vent is not installed correctly. (It needs a threaded fitting to screw into).
A Studor vent is simply a valve that allows air into drainpipes when suction is present. The vent closes when the suction disappears to prevent foul odors from coming back into the building. Often, when a bathtub, shower or washing machine is bubbling or gurgling, either a Studor vent needs to be installed or an existing vent is locked in the open position.

Observation

Open 1 ½” vent under the sink (needs to be capped to prevent sewer gas from entering).

Observation

The Dishwasher has no shock absorber installed.  The shock absorbers keep vibration to a minimum during Dishwasher operation.

Observation

Dishwasher is not attached to the counter top.

Observation

The sprayer hose is missing the weight (weight is needed to pull hose back under the sink after use).

Observation

Dishwasher drain line is missing the high loop connection.

"The high loop or air gap must be used to prevent potential backflow contamination of the dishwasher. Local plumbing codes generally dictate the requirements in your area. Section 807.4 of the Uniform Plumbing Code states: "No domestic dishwashing machine shall be directly connected to a drainage system or food waste disposer without the use of an approved dishwasher airgap fitting on the discharge side of the dishwashing machine. Listed airgaps shall be installed with the flood level (FL) marking at or above the flood level of the sink or drainboard, whichever is higher, or separately trapped with the airbreak located on the stand pipe."

Observation

Gas shutoff valve is missing behind the stove.  The shutoff is required for emergency shutoff and servicing of the appliance.

Observation

Gas flex connection to the gas stove has been crushed and kinked (damaged).

Vertical Clearance Above the Range

The range should have at least 30 inches of vertical clearance above the cooking top to combustible material and metal cabinets. There may be an exception for listed microwave oven installed according to manufacturer's recommendation. The concern is having a potential fire hazard.

Range Hood Exhaust

All range hoods should discharge to the outside through a duct. The duct should be sealed and should have a smooth interior surface. It should have a damper. The duct should not terminate in an attic, crawlspace, or area inside the house.