over-fusing: an unsafe condition whereby an electrical circuit breaker or fuse is rated too high to properly protect the wires connected to it.

p-trap: a formed piece of pipe, installed below fixtures (sinks, tubs, showers, etc.), which retains a small amount of water to create a seal that prevents sewer gases from entering the house through the drain lines.

penetration: the point at which any construction material, such as plumbing vent pipes, equipment mounting brackets, chimneys, or heater vents, passes through a roof or exterior wall.

PEX: polyethylene. A synthetic material made when ethylene is polymerized. The most widely used type of plastic in the world, it is most often found in the home as water supply piping.

In construction, a pier is a support that carries the load of the beams, upon which a raised structure sits. Piers are typically constructed of wood, brick, block or concrete, and are driven into or supported by the earth.

In an HVAC system, the part of the system through which conditioned air travels and is distributed to different areas of the building, typically through ducts.

plumbing vent: a pipe, typically traveling through the roof of the home, intended to allow the flow of sewer gases and air. It allows air pressure in the plumbing waste lines to stay at atmospheric levels. This allows the wastewater to drain properly and maintains the water seal in the home’s p-traps.

A polymer pipe installed in US homes between 1970 and the mid 1990’s. Leaks and broken pipe problems led to class action lawsuits. PB is no longer accepted by code, and it’s presence in a home can affect homeowner’s insurance availability and rates. Whenever we discover polybutylene piping on an inspection, we issue the following recommendation: Polybutylene piping was noted. …

potable: a term used to describe water that has been deemed safe to drink or use in cooking.

Called by many different names (pre-fab, factory-built or zero-clearance fireplace), these manufactured fireplaces are factory constructed and installed in a building, as opposed to masonry fireplaces, which are built on-site. While masonry fireplaces have strict rules governing the amount of clearance needed between the firebox opening and any flammable materials, pre-fab fireplace clearance requirements are dictated by the manufacturer’s specifications. …