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Historical Rule for the Texas Administrative Code

TITLE 22EXAMINING BOARDS
PART 23TEXAS REAL ESTATE COMMISSION
CHAPTER 535PROVISIONS OF THE REAL ESTATE LICENSE ACT
SUBCHAPTER RLICENSED REAL ESTATE INSPECTORS
RULE §535.222Standards of Practice
Repealed Date:09/01/2000

          (-b-) burners, burner ignition devices or heating elements, switches or thermostats a minimum of 18 inches above the lowest garage floor elevation, the absence of which is a recognized hazard.

      (xii) Doorbell and chimes. The inspector shall do the following:

        (I) inspect the condition and operation of the unit; and

        (II) inspect installation of all visible and accessible parts.

      (xiii) Attic power vents. The inspector shall do the following:

        (I) inspect the operation of the thermostat control, if so equipped and accessible; and

        (II) observe the sound, speed and vibration level.

      (xiv) Garage door operator. The inspector shall do the following:

        (I) inspect the condition and operation of the garage door operator;

        (II) operate the door manually or by an installed automatic door control; and

        (III) test whether the door automatically reverses during closing cycle.

      (xv) Hydrotherapy or whirlpool equipment. The inspector shall do the following:

        (I) observe operation;

        (II) inspect for the presence and operation of ground fault circuit interrupter;

        (III) inspect for safe location and operation of switches;

        (IV) observe under the tub for evidence of leaks if the access cover is available and accessible; and

        (V) inspect the movement of the discharge ports and the operation of air intake valves.

    (B) Specific limitations for appliances. The inspector is not required to do the following:

      (i) operate or determine the condition of other auxiliary components of inspected items; or

      (ii) inspect self-cleaning functions.

    (C) Inspection guidelines for cooling systems.

      (i) Cooling systems other than evaporative coolers. The inspector shall do the following:

        (I) identify the type of system and energy sources;

        (II) operate the system using normal control devices except when the outdoor temperature is less than 60 degrees Fahrenheit;

        (III) inspect for proper performance such as by observing the temperature difference between the supply air and the return air;

        (IV) observe for the presence and drainage of the condensate drain line and secondary drain line when applicable;

        (V) observe for the presence of insulation on refrigerant pipes and the primary condensate drain pipe; and

        (VI) inspect condensing unit for clearances, air circulation, condition of fins, location, levelness and elevation above ground surfaces.

      (ii) Evaporative coolers. The inspector shall do the following:

        (I) operate the motor and identify as one or two speed;

        (II) observe the electrical pigtail connection at the motor;

        (III) inspect the power source in the unit;

        (IV) inspect the function of the pump and the condition of spider tubes, tube clips, and bleeder system;

        (V) observe the water supply line and the condition of the float bracket;

        (VI) inspect to determine that there is a minimum of a one-inch air gap between water discharge at float and water level;

        (VII) inspect the fan (blower) and squirrel cage for condition and rust build-up or deterioration or corrosion;

        (VIII) observe the condition of the fan belt and pulleys;

        (IX) observe on the condition of the housing side panels, the water trays, the exterior housing, and the roof frame;

        (X) observe and report on the condition of the roof jack or other mounting point and the location of the damper at the unit; and

        (XI) observe the interior registers and the supply duct.

    (D) Specific limitations for cooling systems. The inspector is not required to do the following:

      (i) inspect for the pressure of the system coolant or determine the presence of leaks;

      (ii) program digital-type thermostats or controls; or

      (iii) operate setback features on thermostats or controls.

    (E) Inspection guidelines for heating systems. The inspector shall do the following:

      (i) identify the type of heating system and its energy sources;

      (ii) operate the system using normal control devices;

      (iii) inspect the condition of the controls and of the accessible operating components of the system;

      (iv) observe in gas units the burner, the condition of the burner compartment; the type, condition, draft and termination of the vent pipe and proximity to combustibles; the availability of combustion and draft air and the presence of forced air in the burner compartment (full evaluation of the integrity of a heat exchanger requires dismantling of the furnace and is beyond the scope of a visual inspection);

      (v) inspect in gas units for flame impingement, uplifting flame, improper flame color, and excessive scale buildup;

      (vi) inspect in gas units for proper materials used for the gas branch line and the connection to the appliance;

      (vii) inspect in gas units for presence and location of gas shut-off valve and for leaks at the valve; and

      (viii) determine the operability of the elements in electric furnaces.

    (F) Specific limitations for heating systems. The inspector is not required to do the following:

      (i) inspect accessories such as humidifiers, air purifiers, motorized dampers, heat reclaimers, electronic air filters or wood-burning stoves;

      (ii) determine the efficiency or adequacy of a system;

      (iii) program digital-type thermostats or controls; or

      (iv) operate radiant heaters, steam heat systems or unvented gas-fired heating appliances.

    (G) Inspection guidelines for ducts, vents (including dryer vents) and flues. The inspector shall do the following:

      (i) observe the condition and the routing of ducts where visible and accessible;

      (ii) inspect for air flow at all accessible supply registers in the habitable areas of the structure (except for determining the adequacy of the balance of conditioned air);

      (iii) inspect accessible duct fans and filters;

      (iv) inspect for improper installation, such as gas piping, sewer vents, or junction boxes in the plenum or improper sealing;

      (v) inspect condition of flue system components;

      (vi) inspect flue and vent pipes for proper termination; and

      (vii) inspect for proper materials used for the venting systems.

    (H) Specific limitations for ducts, vents, and flues. The inspector is not required to do the following:

      (i) determine the efficiency, adequacy, or capacity of the systems;

      (ii) determine the uniformity of the supply of conditioned air to the various parts of the structure;

      (iii) determine the types of materials contained in insulation, wrapping of pipes, ducts, jackets, boilers, and wiring;

      (iv) operate venting systems unless ambient temperatures or other circumstances, in the reasonable opinion of the inspector, are conducive to safe operation without damage to the equipment; or

      (v) operate a unit outside its normal operating range as reasonably determined by the inspector.

    (I) Inspection guidelines for plumbing systems. The inspector shall do the following:

      (i) inspect for the type and condition of all accessible and visible water supply and waste-water and vent pipes;

      (ii) inspect and operate all fixtures and faucets where the flow end of the faucet is not connected to an appliance;

      (iii) observe for the presence of back-flow devices, anti-siphon devices, or systems or air gaps when applicable;

      (iv) observe water supply by viewing functional flow in two fixtures operated simultaneously;

      (v) observe functional drainage at accessible plumbing fixtures;

      (vi) observe and report deficiencies in installation and identification of hot and cold faucets;

      (vii) operate mechanical drainstops if installed on sinks, lavatories, and tubs;

      (viii) inspect commodes for cracks in the ceramic material, proper mounting on the floor, evidence of leaks, and operation of the tank components;

      (ix) observe all accessible supply and drain pipes for evidence of leaks;

      (x) observe existence of visible vent pipe system to the exterior of the structure and for proper routing and termination of the vent system;

      (xi) inspect shower pan for leaks; and

      (xii) operate exterior faucets attached or immediately adjacent to the structure.

    (J) Specific limitations for plumbing systems. The inspector is not required to do the following:

      (i) operate any main, branch, or shut-off valves;

      (ii) inspect any system which has been shut down or otherwise secured;

      (iii) inspect any components which are not visible or accessible;

      (iv) inspect any exterior plumbing components such as water mains, private sewer systems, water wells, sprinkler systems, or swimming pools;

Cont'd...

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