// < ![CDATA[ // < ![CDATA[ // < ![CDATA[ google_ad_client = "pub-0360944017767954"; /* 300x250, GFCI kitchen top */ google_ad_slot = "9726160894"; google_ad_width = 300; google_ad_height = 250; // ]]> Kitchen GFCI receptacles are required by the 2008 NEC (National Electrical Code) to be installed along the countertop surfaces. GFCI – (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) Actually,... 

// < ![CDATA[ // < ![CDATA[ google_ad_client = "pub-0360944017767954"; /* 250x250 GFCI laundry top */ google_ad_slot = "7150492228"; google_ad_width = 250; google_ad_height = 250; // ]]> Installation of laundry GFCI receptacles and GFCI protection for utility / wet bar sink areas where the electrical outlets are installed within 6ft from the outside edge of the sink is required by the 2008... 

Unfinished basement receptacles require GFCI protection as stated in the 2008 NEC (National Electrical Code). GFCI – (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) Unfinished basement it’s an area or portion of the basement area that is not intended to be used as a habitable room. Habitable room it’s a space arranged for living, eating or sleeping purposes (must conform to local building codes... 

GFCI – (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) Crawlspace GFCI protection for receptacles changed slightly in 2008 NEC (National Electrical Code). 2005 NEC exception that allowed single receptacles for not easily moved appliances to be excluded from GFCI requirement has been removed. Because of the moisture, flooding, drainage problems , crawlspace GFCI protection absolutely makes sense in... 

Plastic vent pipe types listed below have been certified by the American Gas Association for use in furnaces classified as Category 4. These particular types of furnaces use positive pressure vent systems (exhaust gas temperature less than 1400F above the dew point temperature) and are always equipped with an induced draft motor which removes exhaust gases from the appliance and discharges... 

GFCI – (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) The 2008 NEC did not change this GFCI requirement protection since the previous edition. All outdoor house receptacles must be GFCI protected. There is one exception from this requirement: If you have electrical outlets that are not readily accessible (you can’t reach them standing on the ground without using ladders, or any other equipment)... 

GFCI – (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) Exceptions for the garage GFCI receptacles and GFCI’s in accessory buildings have been removed by the newest 2008 NEC (National Electrical Code). The new rules apply to the structures that have a floor located at or below grade level, are not intended for use as habitable rooms and limited to storage areas, work areas, and areas of similar use. There’s... 

All types of fuel burning appliances in our homes require air to properly burn that fuel. It is called Combustion Air and it actually has three functions: It  is required to properly burn fuel To dilute exhaust gases that are being vented to exterior To vent and cool appliances The most popular fuel used in our homes is of course natural gas. For every one cubic foot of gas, there are 10 cubic feet... 

Bathroom GFCI receptacle protection is required by the NEC (National Electrical Code), and of course by the common sense – why would you risk getting electrocuted if you can secure your safety by installing GFCI outlet. Since some bathrooms are currently equipped with many electrical current hungry devices, power supply requirements had to be slightly adjusted. We used to have a bathroom... 

// < ![CDATA[ google_ad_client = "pub-0360944017767954"; /* 300x250 GFCI locations top */ google_ad_slot = "3529660632"; google_ad_width = 300; google_ad_height = 250; // ]]> GFCI – (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) Before installing GFCI receptacles, always check with your local code enforcement division, there may be some additional regulations applied, sometimes over-ruling what’s... 

The simplest explanation of the GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) Receptacle Purpose would be: GFCI devices save lives by limiting the duration of electrical shocks. // < ![CDATA[ // < ![CDATA[ google_ad_client = "pub-0360944017767954"; /* 468x60 GFCI purpose top */ google_ad_slot = "2915100645"; google_ad_width = 468; google_ad_height = 60; // ]]>Learn How to Install GFCI Receptacle The... 

If the saddle valve installation is your first plumbing job, don’t worry, it’s very simple. Just follow these instructions carefully: Even if the saddle valve came with some appliance installation kit, it may not be permitted in your area. You may want to check if such installation complies with your local plumbing code. This How to Install Saddle Valve Guide covers copper pipe installation.... 

During my inspections, I have been asked many times about ghostly looking soot and dust marks on house interior surfaces. Since there was usually a mold concern in my clients’ questions, I’ll try to explain the ghost mark phenomenon. Is it a mold issue? In most cases, it is not. If you notice ghost marks / dark stains on the house interior wall / ceiling surfaces outlining house framing,... 

Furnace and / or water heater chimney requires proper placement and termination to safely discharge exhaust gases from the appliances combustion (fuel burning) process. Improper chimney placement and termination is often responsible for back-drafts, excessive corrosion of the chimney pipe walls, condensation, and Carbon Monoxide contamination of your house. The rule explained on the pictures... 

House plumbing vent flashing is required around the pipe at its roof surface penetration. Without it, or if improperly installed, rain water or melting snow will seep around the vent and damage the roof decking material, sometimes making its way down to the wall / ceiling surfaces inside the property. // < ![CDATA[ google_ad_client = "pub-0360944017767954"; /* 468x60plumbing vent flashing top */ google_ad_slot... 

A brick chimney crown – also known as a chimney termination cap, cement wash, or just a chimney cap – seals the chimney top opening around the flue and sheds rainwater / prevents moisture from deteriorating the chimney. For the chimney crown to fulfill its purpose, it must be properly shaped and installed. Unfortunately, after looking at hundreds of brick chimney on new and old... 

House walkout basements opening to a patio (or just a patio located below the grade) sometimes require a dedicated drainage system. A combination of a drain tile and / or sump pump ensures that moisture intrusion will not threaten the living space located at the same level; it will also prevent your patio from turning into a pond … and staying one. In warm climates, even shallow sump pump pits /...