The Issue
The buyer called and after moving into their home they discovered a shower that did not have cold water plumbed to the fixture.
What are the standards?
The inspector is required to inspect the interior water supply and distribution systems including fixtures and faucets.
Was this avoidable?
Yes.
How did it happen?
Most likely the inspector turned the faucet on, and the water was cold (because hot water had not reached the fixture yet). The fixture handle was moved over to the hot position. Remember, hot should be on the left with cold on the right. Then when the water became hot, the inspector completed his check of hot/cold orientation and turned the water back off. Unfortunately, there is really no reason to assume there is no cold water and go back and turn the water back down to cold to see the cycle go back to cold.
What did we do?
Home-Probe took complete responsibility for this issue and offered to help this new home buyer however they needed us to.
What could the inspector do differently?
Change their inspection methodology so they check cold water AFTER the water on the hot side is at a hot temperature.
How does Home-Probe prevent a repeat of this issue?
These situations are difficult to train for. This is why we have monthly team meetings and bi-weekly review of our excellence reports. The next buyer will be even luckier to work with any of our inspectors who are now a little wiser about potential plumbing issues. This is how our next inspection becomes our best inspection.
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