As Home Inspectors a very large portion of our job is to identify unsafe situations. One of the most frequently overlooked items in need of correction on the exterior of a house is the lack of a fireplace spark arrester.

If you have a wood-burning fireplace, or wood stove install a spark arrester on the fireplace chimney or wood stove flue. This is an important fire safety item required on wood burning fireplace chimneys and wood-burning stoves. Its purpose is to help prevent fires caused by sparks or burning paper landing on your property or on the neighbors’.

Be a good neighbor and install an approved spark arrester on your chimney. A rain cap version (shown in the lower photo) is preferred to help prevent damage to the interior of the fireplace chimney or to the metal fireplace damper. A home seller would often be well advised to correct this situation before a home inspector arrives for their own personal safety, and to keep it off the home inspection report.

For further information about commonly overlooked items that sellers often fail to correct before a home inspection go to www.beattheinspector.com

No spark arrester on fireplace chimney

Spark arrester installed on chimney with metal rain cap

NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 27, 2009
Release # 09-333 Firm’s Recall Hotline: (800) 449-9812
Sears� Recall Hotline: (800) 449-9810
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908
Firm Media Contact: (614) 761-2633
Frigidaire and Kenmore Smoothtop Electric Ranges Recalled Due to Fire Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Certain Frigidaire and Kenmore Elite Smoothtop Electric Ranges

Units: About 200,000

Manufacturer: Frigidaire, a division of Electrolux Home Products Inc., of Augusta, Ga.

Hazard: Depending on the model, the surface heating elements can: 1) turn on spontaneously without being switched on; 2) fail to turn off after being switched off; or, 3) heat to different temperatures than selected. This poses a fire and burn hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: Frigidaire has received 126 reports of incidents, including four reports of minor burns and two reports of minor property damage.

Description: This recall involves Frigidaire, Frigidaire Gallery, Frigidaire Professional and Kenmore Elite smoothtop electric ranges with rotary knobs and digital displays. The following model and serial numbers are included in the recall:
Frigidaire (Serial Number Range VF122xxxxx – VF831xxxxx) and Models Beginning with
FEFBZ90GC
FEFLMC55GC
FEFLZ87GC GLEF396AB
GLEF396AQ
GLEF396AS
GLEF396CQ
GLEF396CS

GLEFM397DB GLEFM397DQ
GLEFM397DS
GLEFM97FPB
GLEFM97FPW
GLEFM97GPB
GLEFM97GPW LEEFM389FE PLEF398AC
PLEF398CC
PLEF398DC
PLEFM399DC PLEFMZ99EC
PLEFMZ99GC
PLEFZ398EC
PLEFZ398GC

Kenmore Elite (Serial Number Range VF122xxxxx � VF334xxxxx) and Models Beginning with
790.99012 790.99013 790.99014 790.99019

The model and serial number can be found by opening the range drawer at the base of the unit.

Sold at: Sears and other national chain and independent retailers nationwide from June 2001 through August 2009 for between $1,000 and $2,500.

Manufactured in: United States

Remedy: Consumers should stop using the recalled ranges immediately and contact Frigidaire or Sears to schedule a free repair.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Frigidaire at (800) 449-9812 between 8 a.m. and midnight ET Monday through Saturday or visit the firm�s recall Web site at www.smoothtoprangerecall.com. Consumers who purchased their products at Sears should call Sears at (800) 449-9810 between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. ET Monday through Saturday.

Sample of a smoothtop range with rotary knobs and digital displays
Sample of a smoothtop range with rotary knobs and digital displays

Serial plate is located by opening the range drawer at the bottom of the unit.
Serial plate is located by opening the range drawer at the bottom of the unit.

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CPSC is still interested in receiving incident or injury reports that are either directly related to this product recall or involve a different hazard with the same product. Please tell us about it by visiting https://www.cpsc.gov/cgibin/incident.aspx

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of serious injury or death from thousands of types of consumer products under the agency’s jurisdiction. The CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard. The CPSC’s work to ensure the safety of consumer products – such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters, and household chemicals – contributed significantly to the decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 30 years.

To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, call CPSC’s Hotline at (800) 638-2772 or CPSC’s teletypewriter at (800) 638-8270. To join a CPSC e-mail subscription list, please go to https://www.cpsc.gov/cpsclist.aspx. Consumers can obtain recall and general safety information by logging on to CPSC’s Web site at www.cpsc.gov.

As Home Inspectors we do not check model #s or try to keep abreast of all possible product recalls. Nonetheless, this caught my eye, and may be of interest and/or use to many readers helpful photos can be found at the cpsc.gov website in the paragraph above. For further information about appliances or products please visit the US Consumer Product Safety Commission link at the web address above or at the link in the blogroll area.

All the best out there.

Frequently dryers are vented with a corrugated dryer duct of either a metal material or a type of nylon/plastic material. In our area these can be used for up to six feet in length in the same room. However for fire safety these types of dryer ducts of any length can not be run in concealed areas like in the attic or under the house.

Weekly we take photos of these types of dryer hose running often very long distances in attics or under the house. More often that not they are sagging or running downhill and uphill and may not even make out to the exterior of the house.

See an example below

Although this material is easy to work with this material often poses a fire hazard when used in the wrong areas, is too long or is improperly installed.

Easy is certainly not always the best way to go. Consult with an appropriate contractor for your area and install the proper materials for fire safety.

All the best out there.

Kidde Recalls Dual Sensor Smoke Alarms; Can Fail to Warn of a Fire

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Kidde Model PI2000 Dual Sensor Smoke Alarms

Units: About 94,000

Manufacturer: Walter Kidde Portable Equipment Inc., of Mebane, N.C.

Hazard: An electrostatic discharge can damage the unit, causing it not to warn consumers of a fire.

Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received two reported incidents of smoke alarm malfunctions involving electrostatic discharge during installation. No injuries have been reported.

Description: This recall involves Kidde dual sensor smoke alarms model PI2000. The alarms can be identified by two buttons, “HUSH” and “PUSH AND HOLD TO TEST WEEKLY,” which are located on the front/center of the alarm. The model number and date code are on the back of the smoke alarm. Only date codes 2008 Aug.01 through 2009 May 04 are included in this recall.

Sold at: Retail, department, and hardware stores and through electrical distributors nationwide from August 2008 through May 2009 for between $30 and $40.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should contact Kidde immediately to receive a free replacement smoke alarm.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Kidde toll-free at (877) 524-2086 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.kidde.com

CPSC is still interested in receiving incident or injury reports that are either directly related to this product recall or involve a different hazard with the same product. Please tell us about it by visiting https://www.cpsc.gov/cgibin/incident.aspx

—

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of serious injury or death from thousands of types of consumer products under the agency’s jurisdiction. The CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard. The CPSC’s work to ensure the safety of consumer products – such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters, and household chemicals – contributed significantly to the decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 30 years.

To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, call CPSC’s Hotline at (800) 638-2772 or CPSC’s teletypewriter at (800) 638-8270. To join a CPSC e-mail subscription list, please go to https://www.cpsc.gov/cpsclist.aspx. Consumers can obtain recall and general safety information by logging on to CPSC’s Web site at www.cpsc.gov.

GE Recalls Ranges Due to Fire and Burn Hazards

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: GE Profile™ Freestanding Dual Fuel Ranges

Units: About 28,000

Manufacturer: GE Consumer & Industrial, of Louisville, Ky.

Hazard: The wiring in the rear of the range can overheat, posing a fire and burn hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: GE is aware of 47 reports of overheated wiring, including 33 reports of wiring that caught fire. Of these, one fire caused structural damage to the home and there have been 14 reports of minor property damage. No injuries have been reported.

Description: This recall involves GE Profile 30� Freestanding Duel Fuel ranges. The ranges were sold in white, black, bisque and stainless steel. The following model and serial numbers can be found on the left inside corner of the bottom drawer.

Sold at: Department and appliance stores nationwide from June 2002 through December 2005 for between $1,300 and $2,000.

Manufactured in: Mexico

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the oven and contact GE for a free repair. Consumers can continue to use the cooktop burners.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact GE toll-free at (888) 352-9764 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, and between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Saturday ET, or visit the firm�s Web site at www.geappliances.com

J2B900

J2B915

CPSC is still interested in receiving incident or injury reports that are either directly related to this product recall or involve a different hazard with the same product. Please tell us about it by visiting https://www.cpsc.gov/cgibin/incident.aspx

—

Send the link for this page to a friend! The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of serious injury or death from thousands of types of consumer products under the agency’s jurisdiction. The CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard. The CPSC’s work to ensure the safety of consumer products – such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters, and household chemicals – contributed significantly to the decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 30 years.

To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, call CPSC’s Hotline at (800) 638-2772 or CPSC’s teletypewriter at (800) 638-8270. To join a CPSC e-mail subscription list, please go to https://www.cpsc.gov/cpsclist.aspx. Consumers can obtain recall and general safety information by logging on to CPSC’s Web site at www.cpsc.gov.

As we have mentioned before in previous post as with all products in the home it is a great idea to go the consumer protection website to check on recall and general safety information (see the links in the paragraph above).

All the best out there!

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 23, 2009 Release # 09-253

Firm�s Recall Hotline: (866) 876-3632 CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772 CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Crane Plumbing Recalls Bath Tubs With A Whirlpool Due to Entrapment and Drowning Hazards

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Crane Bath Tubs With A Whirlpool

Units: About 5,500

Manufacturer: Crane Plumbing LLC, of Dallas, Texas

Hazard: The drain covers in the tubs can entangle a bather�s hair in the openings, causing the bather�s head to be held under water, which can result in drowning.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: The bathtubs are acrylic with 6-12 jets. The Crane logo is printed on the whirlpool and/or noted on the air control valve.

Sold at: Home improvement, retail and wholesale stores nationwide from March 2007 through February 2009 for between $700 and $2,700.

Manufactured in: United States and Canada

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled tubs. Consumers can contact Crane for additional identification information on affected tubs. Consumers who have the recalled tub have two options:

1. Contact Crane directly to arrange for a service agent to perform a free, in-person replacement in their home or facility; or
2. Consumers can choose to replace the part themselves and Crane will provide them with a free repair kit and directions.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Crane Plumbing toll-free at (866) 876-3632 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm�s Web site at www.craneplumbing.com

CPSC is still interested in receiving incident or injury reports that are either directly related to this product recall or involve a different hazard with the same product. Please tell us about it by visiting https://www.cpsc.gov/cgibin/incident.aspx

—

Send the link for this page to a friend! The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of serious injury or death from thousands of types of consumer products under the agency’s jurisdiction. The CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard. The CPSC’s work to ensure the safety of consumer products – such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters, and household chemicals – contributed significantly to the decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 30 years.

To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, call CPSC’s Hotline at (800) 638-2772 or CPSC’s teletypewriter at (800) 638-8270. To join a CPSC e-mail subscription list, please go to https://www.cpsc.gov/cpsclist.aspx. Consumers can obtain recall and general safety information by logging on to CPSC’s Web site at www.cpsc.gov.

If you have a bathtub with a whirlpool then you should check into this.  As we have mentioned before in previous post as with all products in the home it is a great idea to go the consumer protection website to check on recall and general safety information (see the links in the paragraph above).

All the best out there!

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Yesterday I encountered another Takagi tankless water heater at my home inspection.  This one was  labeled that it was an exterior model and it was installed on the exterior of the house!  So good so far.. We inspectors are delighted when something is as it should be.

The installation looked very clean and I had no issue with it.  The one thing I realized about these water heaters is it that the exterior ones will take more awareness from the home owner to keep the exterior vegetation away from the unit.  This water heater had a direct exhaust vent situation and because the vent gets hot it would be unsafe to have plants (brush, bushes or tree limbs) growing up against the unit.

Many people delegate their yard work and landscaping to others who may not be aware of the special needs at these type of appliances.  Let face it in this country up to now very few water heaters have been installed on the exterior of the house.  New fire safety vigilance will be required.

Over the last 14 years I have probably inspected between 4,500 to 5000 water heaters, and of those only about 15 now have been tankless water heaters.   All, yes all of these tankless units I have seen have been in the last year.  The tide may be shifting and tankless water heaters are coming to a neighborhood near you.

Like all items proper installation, location, and maintenance will be key.  Many of the buyers I inspect for indicate they want to put one in when they move in or when their current water heater gives out.  Their reasons vary from to save energy or to save space.  No one does it to save immediate cost.  These units are not cheap up front but if you have a small house with limited space losing the 40 gallon water heater out of an interior closet or the garage and installing a tankless water heater in it’s place or on the exterior of the house might make sense for you.

All the best out there.

Mildew or mold? You may as well ask is it good or bad.  Often we as inspectors encounter something that looks kind of fishy even kind of mean and hairy but is it mold?  I would venture that most of us inspectors do not know.  We are not trained lab technicians with an Industrial Hygienist degree or some such suitable moniker.  We are just simple guys and gals trying to do our best.  I know some inspector out there will take exception with this statement and has a suitable degree or certificate that says they know how to test for mildew and mold.  Some companies may even offer this kind of evaluation as an extra fee based service.

However, it is true that most of us are not experts on mildew or mold. Per the Standards of Practice I use (ASHI) it is not in the scope of our inspection to even inspect for Mildew or Mold.  Still stuff like what is shown in the photo below does not look right and at a minimum indicates possible water damage.  We certainly try to make our clients aware of these kind of things and point them in the right direction for further evaluation by qualified others.

Mildew or Mold?

The truth is we can not make our clients follow up on our recommendations.  We hope they do, we want them to but will they?  Will you?

All the best out there!