D.I.Yer’s Beware

personally I like to watch the diy network on saturday mornings, especially renovation realities. The host appear to be knowledgeable and talented tradespeople. So when I see them give advice on how to properly install a plumbing trap under a bathroom sink and it turns out to be an S trap which is no longer allowed (for siphonage reasons) it makes me wonder what other improper installs have occured, the ones behind the scenes, now behind the walls. What made me decide to write about this is what I seen this morning. A kitchen remodel led to the need to re-route an HVAC duct, no problem, everything looked good until it came time to seal the joints were they connected the new duct. Everyone I know would have used the metal tape specifically designed for duct work, not the host of kitchen remodel, duct tape is still utilized for everything. Now when the unsuspecting home owner runs her air conditioner the cold duct work will cause the gray duct tape to loose its adhesion, thereby setting up a scenario for mold growth, higher utility bills, and poor air quality, as if that isn’t enough reason to do it right, how about the occupants health and the cost of mold remediation, highering everyone from home inspectors to qualified contractors to help identify and replace or clean air conditioning unit.