John Martino's (looksmart) Blog

Grey water is water from dishwashing, washing machine discharge, waste water from sinks and tubs. The laundry discharge into a septic system can be a problem because of the lint that enters into the septic system when the washing machine discharges. The lint is so light that is will not sink to t...

The Federal Pacific Electric Company was a manufacturer of circuit panel boxes and circuit breakers during the time period of the1950's to the 1980’s. I come across these Federal panels almost weekly while doing home inspections in New Jersey. Here are the problems with these Federal Pacific elec...

The purpose of a window well is too prevent water penetration through the window, prevent water damage to the window frames, and to allow for egress out of the basement in the event of an emergency. With out a window well some basement windows will be below grade and would be a source of water le...

There is sometimes confusion over what is mold and what is efflorescence. Efflorescence are mineral deposits that come through masonry such as brick, stone, and cement. The deposits are bought to the surface of the masonry because of water infiltration into the brick or cement and then subsequent...

Gutters and downspouts are very important for exterior control of water. If gutters, leaders and downspouts are clogged water will run over the gutter and pool next to the exterior foundation walls of the dwelling. Downspouts should be extended so they discharge at least five feet away from the e...

An oil tank located below grade has a short life expectancy of roughly twenty year or less. As the below grade tank gets older the probability of oil leakage increases. Most below grade tanks are constructed of steel. It is just a matter of time until the steel rusts out and leaks oil into the gr...

Having properly installed bathroom ventilation is crucial in the prevention of moisture build up on the framing in the attic space. As steam develops in the bathroom it will travel up to the attic space unless there is a ventilation fan installed in the bathroom. Moisture will cause wood rot and ...

Tank-less water heaters are becoming very popular. They are becoming more and more common and are taking the place for conventional water heaters. Tank-less water heaters have some significant advantages over more common traditional water heaters. Tank-less type water heaters provide an instant o...

All wood burning stoves and fireplaces should be inspected at least yearly as provided for in the guidelines of the National Fire Protection Association. Chimneys get dirty and obstructed because creosote sticks to the interior surfaces of the fireplace, dampers and chimney liners. Creosote is on...

Roof leaks may be caused by a number of different factors. Some of the issues that can cause roofs to leak are. Age: As roofing materials age they loose their ability to create a water tight system. Asphalt shingles can get brittle. Rolled roofing or built up membranes (mod-bit) also gets brittle...