Do You Need Plumbing Inspections? Above, Below, In, Around —Prevent Future Disasters! When you’re considering buying a home, it’s important to have the house undergo a home inspection. Everyone desires a properly functioning home. One area that is often overlooked is plumbing — the important and sometimes expensive part of plumbing. This is because underground plumbing is not visible; the water pipes are usually located in the foundation. A house could look in tip-top condition, but the pipes could be rotting through. Home inspectors can check the plumbing and usually perform a quality job documenting and knowing the buildings costs. However, there are plenty of things they can miss that can cost $50,000 or more, and the insurance company will most likely give you a big “DENIED” stamp on your claim. We at Clearwater Plumbers see this every day, and it makes us sick for the new homeowner. Additional inspections to test the plumbing can save you from these avoidable stresses. There are two popular tests used to check the pipes of any home — a hydrostatic and static test. These tests check for leaks in the foundation. Each test takes around 30 minutes and costs roughly $200–400 for the basic test, if your new home has good cleanouts. If you are serious about buying, these tests can give you leverage in the buy or at least educate you on what you may or may not be up against financially. The static test pressurizes the potable water system in the house, which is, in most cases, the waterline that runs from the city’s water main to the house fixtures. This test uses pressure to find any discharge of water. After closing all the valves in the house, the system is filled with water, creating pressure. The pipes are then inspected and searched for leakage. The hydrostatic test checks on the building’s drain piping. The static test uses small inflatable balls, which are inserted into the pipes to block off particular sections of piping. The parts of the plumbing under inspection are then filled and checked for damage. Then the inflatable ball is removed once the test is complete.
Kabobs
Ingredients
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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2 pounds fully cooked smoked kielbasa
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1/4 cup olive oil
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2 large onions
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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2 green bell peppers
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3 red bell peppers
Directions 1. Heat grill to medium.
2. In a small bowl, combine oil, garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
3. Cut pepper, onion, and kielbasa into 1-inch chunks.
4. Thread onto skewers, alternating ingredients.
5. Brush with oil mixture and grill, covered, 10–12 minutes.
[NOTE: If using bamboo skewers, soak in water for 30 minutes before threading to prevent burning.] SUDOKU Inspired by Good Housekeeping
Clearwater Plumbers highly recommends these above tests for anyone while the house is in the option period. Contact us for more information regarding the hydrostatic and static tests. Our Otter club members are also entitled to an annual pluming check to “cut-off” emergencies at the pass.
Do What You OTTER, Call Clearwater! 817-296-0670
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ClearWater Plumbers | 817-296-0670 | clearwaterplumber.com
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