Testimonials

As the leaves fall, you may not worry about raking them off the lawn, but you should make sure that a few key areas start the winter relatively leaf-free. Keeping such places clear protects against drainage problems that can develop whether you live in the New Mexico mountains (Cloudcroft or Ruidoso) or in the warmer, lower areas of El Paso, TX.

Leaves can fall into gutters and downspouts and accumulate in the roof valley—the junction between two roof slopes. The buildup of leaves can prevent proper and complete drainage and should be cleaned out. On low slope roofs, this is most critical to prevent roof damage and water entry into your home. Scuppers (low slope roof drains) should be inspected for debris regularly.

If trees overhang the roof, take extra precautions to ensure that no dead leaves accumulate in the valleys or elsewhere. Needle-bearing trees such as pine, hemlock, and redwood can be just as much a nuisance in this respect as broadleaf trees like the mulberry. The overhanging trees should also be trimmed to keep them from rubbing the roof or walls of the home and causing damage.

When inspecting a roof I will call out debris that is found.

Here in El Paso, we are approaching our cold weather. During this time of the year, the temperature can reach the teens. Since parts of your home plumbing system may be exposed to freezing temperatures, they should either be wrapped in pipe insulation or protected with electric heat tape. Plug the electric heat tape in when winter comes.
Walk the exterior of your home and look in your attic or basement areas for exposed pipes.

It also makes sense, at any time of the year, to insulate the hot-water pipes. That will prevent loss of heat before the water gets where it’s going—and can cut down on your heating bill. Also, don’t forget to insulate pipes above the water heater if it is in an unheated location such as a sealed closet or garage.

Some possible issues with foreclosed homes:

Check the DEA’s National Clandestine Laboratory Register.

I have inspected an El Paso home where a murder was committed and half of the floor tile and carpet was missing. Parts of the drywall in the bedroom were also missing. I asked what happened, and got an earful.

Replacing your washing machine water supply hoses every few years may prevent flooding. Hoses in El Paso experience extreme heat and dry air which can cause them to fail sooner than in other areas of the country.

If you go on vacation, be sure to shut off the water at the washer and/or street to relieve the pressure on the lines. You can be sure “Murphy” is watching your home (Murphy’s Law). You will be sleeping or away from home when the lines burst. The last thing you want is your neighbor calling you and saying “Water is coming out of your front door and garage”.

I recommend braided stainless hoses be added to replace the standard rubber ones. Fluidmaster® brand plumbing products sell NO-BURST® Braided Stainless Steel Washing Machines Connectors that are stronger than the original lines that come with most washers. Never re-use a washer supply line. Change out the lines anytime the washer is moved or serviced. Never keep washer lines longer than five years.

Fluidmaster® lines feature:

• High bursting strength. Each foot of NO-BURST®contains 220 feet of stainless steel wire. Stainless ferrules are extra-long with radial crimps for more security.
• Tough, NFS-approved polymer core resists chlorine.
• Ample inside diameter for high flow capacity. Captive cone washers seal tightly, can’t fall out.
• Exceptional flexibility for fast easy installation. Won’t, kink or crease, even in the tightest of spaces. Heavy-duty nuts are easy to grip and nickel-plated for durability.
• Exceeds all requirements for flexible water connectors.

If you have a custom-built El Paso home with a laundry catch pan and drain in the floor, be sure to move the appliances regularly and clean the lint from the floor drain. Failure to clean and inspect the drain will likely cause water damage. Call your El Paso home inspector with any questions.

To reduce the risk of tipping of the range, the range must be secured to the floor by a properly installed anti-tip bracket and screws packed with the range. Failure to install the anti-tip bracket may allow the range to tip over if excessive weight is placed on an open door or if a child climbs upon it. Even a large turkey slid on to the door could tip the range. A serious injury might result from spilled hot liquids heating above or from the range itself.

If the range is ever moved to a different location, the anti-tip brackets must also be moved and installed with the range.

Instructions are usually provided for installation in wood or cement fastened to either the floor or wall. When installed to the wall, make sure that screws completely penetrate drywall and are secured in wood or metal. When fastening to the floor or wall, be sure that screws do not penetrate any electrical wiring or plumbing.

These are checked while performing El Paso home inspections, as long as the range is not in use or personal items are stored inside.

Anti-tip devices are safety items designed for easy installation. Make sure to check that the range is pushed back into the bracket on a regular basis.