Re: New Pool Build in Central Texas because of Big Green Egg
Sundek installation was completed in two days and looks great! We have to stay off it until Sunday.
Had the final gas inspection yesterday. We have failed every original inspection but on this one I was confident we would pass. I must be the most naïve person in Texas! I was confident because after all the gas lines were installed the plumber put all the lines to 3x normal pressure and the pressure held overnight to all of the new runs. I also verified that the plumber had all the required shut off valves, proper tape around the joints, and nothing that looked screwy to my admittedly untrained eye but was hoping my common sense would catch anything stupid.
The inspection was supposed to be Wednesday morning but Tuesday night the plumber called and said the inspection was cancelled. I was then told my city has the right to demand a whole house gas inspection during any of the permitting/inspection process. My plumber said "this is hardly ever done but guess what, they are doing it your house". I knew right then and there this would end badly even though we have never had any problems with any of our utilities or appliances. Wednesday morning the plumber came and checked all of the gas appliances in the house verifying there were no gas leaks, we had proper clearance for our vents, shut off valves from all gas lines and such. Inspection was scheduled for Thursday.
Thursday morning the plumber came, connected all of the new gas lines to the existing, and pressurized the lines to 3x normal with air after shutting off the gas. The gauge showed no leakage. Life is good. I waited around because I was fascinated how we could possibly fail this time.
Doorbell rang around noon and it was the inspector. He told me that he had already checked everything outside and it looked great, and had released some pressure from the gas lines and waited 5 minutes and we had no leakage. All he needed to do was check all of our appliances that used gas, and show him that we had working smoke detectors. We have 9 of them and three carbon monoxide detectors and he was happy about that. Checked our stove and gas fire place and laundry room and everything was good.
Went upstairs to one of my attics where one of my water heaters is. All of a sudden he exclaims I don't like that. I said what?, he said that yellow pipe that is used to run the gas into the water heater. My house was built in 2003 and I have all of the original appliances still. "It was determined in 2008 that if that type gas line was used, your gas lines have to also be grounded to your electrical system. I will have to fail you."
"What"!!!! I exclaimed". I calmly (sort of) explained that this was all original gas lines, electrical lines and furnaces and water heaters, this passed inspection when we built the house, and if the rules changed in 2008, if it was so dangerous why wasn't the public informed that this was such a dangerous situation and everyone would have to fix it.? He said it wasn't really dangerous, just that if our house got hit by lightning there was a greater possibility, though just slightly more possible that if the gas line ruptured it could help fuel a fire. I said that there are 400 homes in my neighborhood with a setup just like this, how come it is only an issue with me because of my pool?. He said once I add anything to my house, it opens up any system I add to and all of it has to up to date on the regulations and/or code.
He also told me that I would fail the final inspection because of another issue but I will leave that story for another day because I get really angry thinking about that problem.
..can you imagine how their net profits would increase if they had the ability to plan ahead? However, the end-result looks great and they definitely have artistic skills!
