Kitchen Appliances

Question 1

INSPECTION SCOPE:

The home inspector should specifically exclude appliances from inspection scope, both in the inspection agreement and in the report, if all appliances or specific appliances are not included in the inspection. Criteria for inspections are (choose the best answer):

a) The type of appliance installation does not matter to be inspected.
b) Typical appliances specified for inspection include the range, cooktop, wall oven, microwave oven, dishwashing machine, and food waste disposer.
c) Appliances should be inspected even if that are not specifically included in the SoP.
d) Inspecting an appliance involves operating the appliance. The home inspector does not need to perform a visual inspection of the appliance before operating the appliance.

Answer 1

b) Typical appliances include range, cooktop, wall oven, microwave oven, dishwashing machine, and food waste disposer.

Question 2

Cooktop is a cooking appliance installed in an opening in a countertop.

True or False

Answer 2

True

Question 3

Dishwashing machine (dishwasher):

a plumbing appliance that is used to clean eating and cooking utensils.

(True or false)

Answer 3

True

Question 4

Downdraft exhaust (vent): (choose the best answer)

a) a fan located under a cooktop that pulls the cooking odors and moisture down and exhausts them to the outdoors through a duct located in the ceiling.
b) A downdraft exhaust is sometimes used when a cooktop is located in an island, a peninsula, or other space where installing a hood is impractical or expensive.
c) both a) and b)
d) None of the above

Answer 4

b) A downdraft exhaust is sometimes used when a cooktop is located in an island, a peninsula, or other space where installing a hood is impractical or expensive.

NOTE:
fan exhausts them to a duct located in the floor (not the ceiling)

Question 5

Exhaust hood (vent): (choose the best description)

a) an appliance that is installed above a range or cooktop to remove or filter cooking odors and moisture.
b) An exhaust hood should be ducted to the outdoors; however, an exception allows for a hood that recirculates the exhaust back into the house if an operable window exists in the kitchen area, or if the house is served by a system such as an ERV or HRV.
c) Also known as: Downdraft exhaust (vent).
d) All of the above

Answer 5

d) All of the above

Question 6

Food-waste disposer (disposal):

a) a plumbing appliance that is used to grind and dispose of soft food waste matter into the cooling system.
b) This appliance is often called a disposal based on a brand name Disposall.
c) Brand names can be used to describe systems and components.
d) This appliance is sometimes called a Grindall in Canada.

Answer 6

b) This appliance is often called a disposal based on a brand name Disposall.

NOTES:

a) a plumbing appliance that is used to grind and dispose of soft food waste matter into the PLUMBING system, not the COOLING system.
c) Brand names SHOULD NOT be used to describe systems and components.
d) AKA: Garbarator in Canada.

Question 7

High loop: (choose the best answer)

a) A high loop involves securing the dishwasher drain tube as high as possible in the kitchen sink base cabinet.
b) a backflow prevention method that helps prevent the flow of contaminated water from the plumbing waste system into a dishwasher.
c) all of the above
d) none of the above

Answer 7

c) all of the above

Question 8

Microwave oven (microwave):

a) a cooking appliance that uses high frequency electromagnetic radiation to heat food;
b) microwaves installed above ranges and cooktops usually have a built-in exhaust fan and light.
c) A microwave may include a convection oven.
d) all of the above

Answer 8

D) ALL of the above

Question 9

Oven:

a) An enclosed cooking appliance intended for grilling.
b) An oven may be mounted with a dishwasher.
c) An oven may be part of a range.
d) all of the above

Answer 9

An oven may be part of a range.

NOTES:
intended for baking and broiling food (NOT GRILLING)
An oven may be mounted in a CABINET (WALL oven)

Question 10

Oven (convection): (Choose the best answer)

a) An enclosed cooking appliance intended for baking and broiling food.
b) Cooking speed is reduced by using a fan to circulate air inside the oven.
c) either a) or b)
d) none of the above

Answer 10

a) An enclosed cooking appliance intended for baking and broiling food.

NOTES)
Cooking speed is enhanced, not reduced.

Question 11

Range:

a cooking appliance that combines a cooktop and plate shelf into one cabinet.

(True or False)

Answer 11

False

a cooking appliance that combines a cooktop and OVEN into one cabinet.

Question 12

Stove:

a) a device that uses an energy source to produce heat. In modern usage, the term stove sometimes refers to a range when used to describe a cooking appliance.
b) The term is also used to describe a space heating appliance such as a wood-burning stove.
c) both a) and b)
d) none of the above

Answer 12

c) both a) and b)

Question 13

COOKTOP, RANGE, OVEN (choose the best answer)

a) Typical operation of these cooking appliances during an inspection involves operating at least one burner and one oven heating element.
b) Determining oven thermostat calibration
c) A cooktop should be secured to the wall behind it so that the cooktop does not move. There should be no gaps between the countertop opening and the cooktop.
d) Ovens are available in many styles and sizes. Current common sizes are usually 24, 27, 30, or 36 inches wide, with 27 and 30 inches being the most common

Answer 13

d) Ovens are available in many styles and sizes. Current common sizes are usually 24, 27, 30, or 36 inches wide, with 27 and 30 inches being the most common

NOTES:
Operating ALL burners and at least one oven heating element.
Determining oven thermostat calibration is OUT OF SCOPE
A cooktop should be secured to the COUNTERTOP (not the wall behind it) so that the cooktop does not move. There should be no gaps between the countertop opening and the cooktop.

Question 14

Oven Operation Inspection (choose the ONE that doesn’t apply)

a) Determine that the tested electric oven element and all burners glow red at the highest temperature, note that this may not work with some induction ranges/cooktops.
b) Determine that the tested gas oven operating mode (e.g., bake or broil) and all burners have a steady blue flame and that the flame is at a reasonable height above the burner. An orange color at the flame tip is acceptable.
c) Leave the oven door closed while operating the oven.
d) Do not put anything back into a hot oven or on hot burners.

Answer 14

c) You should leave the oven door OPEN while operating the oven. This is a good way to remember to turn everything off before leaving. Note that some ovens do not permit operation with the door open.

Question 15

Typical Defects, Cooktop, Range, Oven Typical defects that home inspectors should report include: (choose the one that is inaccurate)

1. burner does not function, does not function at full capacity, or takes unusually long to light (gas)
2. oven heating element does not function, does not function at full capacity, or takes unusually long to light (gas)
3. gas flame not orange
4. absent, damaged, or deteriorated controls
5. appliance loose or moves when operated
6. door binds, scrapes, opens with no restraint, or strikes nearby objects
7. improper material or improperly installed visible fuel and power connections
8. range anti-tip bracket not installed or not functioning,
9. door glass cracked or significantly dirty between panes,
10. absent, damaged, or deteriorated door seal or gasket
11. racks absent, damaged, or do not slide easily
12. self-clean latch does not engage
13. appliance not level
14. inadequate clearance to combustible materials

Answer 15

3. Should be: gas flame not BLUE

Question 16

DISHWASHING MACHINE (choose the best answer)

a) Typical operation involves running the dishwasher through one full cycle.
b) Inspection of accessories and features, such as delayed start, water heating, and heated drying is necessary.
c) A dishwasher is usually installed in a 20 inch wide opening in the base cabinets.
d) A dedicated 120 volt, 15 or 20 amp branch circuit may be necessary. A GFCI protected circuit is not required by the IRC.

Answer 16

a) Typical operation involves running the dishwasher through one full cycle.

NOTES:

Inspection of accessories and features, such as delayed start, water heating, and heated drying, is OUT OF SCOPE.

Typical opening is 24 inches wide

GFCI definitely IS required by the 2015 IRC.

Question 17

Typical Defects, Dishwasher Typical defects that home inspectors should report include: (choose the ONE that doesn’t need to be reported)

1• Dishwasher does not activate or does not fill with water
2• dishwasher does not drain
3• dishwasher leaks water around or under dishwasher
4• hoses leak water in sink base cabinet at water supply or drain hose connection
5• drain hose crimped, blocked, or the wrong size,
6• drain hose or water supply improperly run through wall or floor,
7• drain hose not clamped to food-waste disposer inlet or wye fitting,
8• absent or improperly installed high loop or air gap device,
9• dishwasher not attached to countertop or cabinet
10• dishwasher not level
11• racks paint is chipped, peeling or discolored
12• door binds, scrapes, opens with no restraint, or strikes nearby objects,
13• cracked, damaged, deteriorated, or significantly rusted tub interior,
14• absent, damaged, or deteriorated door or controls,
15• soap dispenser does not latch or does not open.

Answer 17

11. Report if racks are absent, damaged, or do not slide easily, not if paint is chipped or peeling/discolored

Question 18

MICROWAVE OVEN AND EXHAUST HOOD (Choose the best answer)

a) Start inspection of microwave with accessories and features such as timers, preprogrammed cooking, and thermostat.
b) Some microwave ovens are equipped with a convection oven. This feature is out of scope for inspection.
c) The most common is the over-the-range style. These are usually about 20 inches wide to match the most common range width. The other style is a microwave that is installed inside a cabinet.
d) Range hoods are available in many styles and exhaust capacities. The most common style is the 30 inch wide hood with a 100 cfm exhaust capacity

Answer 18

d) Range hoods are available in many styles and exhaust capacities. The most common style is the 30 inch wide hood with a 100 cfm exhaust capacity.

NOTES:
Inspection of microwave with accessories and features such as timers, preprogrammed cooking, and thermostat is OUT OF SCOPE.
Microwave ovens equipped with a convection oven are TO BE INSPECTED.
The most common is the over-the-range style and about 30 inches wide (not 20 inches)

Question 19

Typical Defects, Microwave and Exhaust Hood Typical defects that home inspectors should report include: (choose the inaccurate ONE)

1. appliance does not activate
2. microwave does not heat the test object
3. microwave served by the kitchen receptacles branch circuit
4. absent or damaged glass tray
5. rotating glass tray does not rotate
6. door or handle damaged or does not operate properly
7. controls damaged or do not operate properly
8. interior light is loose, not screwed in tightly
9. exterior light or fan does not activate; fan does not operate on all speeds
10. absent, damaged, or clogged filters
11. exhaust duct installed using improper material
12. improper size exhaust duct or termination
13. exhaust duct terminates inside the structure
14. microwave too close to range or cooktop.

Answer 19

8. You should report an absent or damaged lens on light, but not if it’s just loose or not screwed in tightly.

Question 20

FOOD-WASTE DISPOSER (choose the best answer)

Home inspectors should be aware of the following regarding disposers.

a) Disposers installed at thin gauge metal sinks will often shake the sink and make more noise than normal; therefore, leaks at the disposer connection to the sink outlet are more likely.
b) Most disposers have a thermal cutoff that can be reset by pressing a (usually red) button on the top of the unit.
c) Most disposers have an opening in the top into which a hex wrench can be inserted to clear jams.

Answer 20

a) Disposers installed at thin gauge metal sinks will often shake the sink and make more noise than normal; therefore, leaks at the disposer connection to the sink outlet are more likely.

NOTES:
•Reset button is usually on the BOTTOM of the unit.
•Opening in the BOTTOM into which a hex wrench can be inserted to clear jams.

Question 21

Disposer Inspection Operation (CHOOSE THE BEST ANSWER)

a) Start the disposer and check for leaks.
b) Listen for loud or unusual sounds, or no sounds.
c) The home inspector should try to unfreeze it with the hex wrench before replacing the disposer.
d) none of the above

Answer 21

b) Listen for loud or unusual sounds, or no sounds. Disposers sometimes freeze up when not operated for awhile.

NOTES:
•Run cold water in the sink before starting the disposer.
•Inspector might recommend that someone unfreeze it with the hex wrench

Question 22

Typical Defects, Food-Waste Disposer Typical defects that home inspectors should report include: (which ONE does not need to be reported)

1. Disposer makes loud or unusual noise when activated or no sound at all
2. Disposer presents evidence of leaks
3. Dirty disposer cabinet,
4. NM cable installed without protection against damage,
5. Absent or loose electrical cable strain relief,
6. Disposer fixture arm terminates in wall above disposer drainage outlet,
7. Absent or damaged splash guard,
8. An improper fitting used where the disposer connects to the fixture arm of an adjacent sink bowl.

Answer 22

3. dirty disposer cabinets don’t need to be reported. Only if they are rusted or deteriorated.

Question 23

TRASH COMPACTOR (choose the best answer)

a) Trash compactors are available in built-in models only.
b) Inspection and operation of this appliance involves running it and listening for unusual sounds or no sounds.
c) Built-in trash compactors should be secured to the adjoining wall.
d) none of the above

Answer 23

b) Inspection and operation of this appliance involves running it and listening for unusual sounds or no sounds.

NOTES:
Available in built-in and portable models
SECURED to the countertop or cabinet

Question 24

Trash Compactor Operation (choose the best answer)

a) Activate the compactor. There should be a bag installed. The compactor should be around at least ½ full and not more than around ¾ full for a valid test.
b) Attempt to determine if the trash has been compacted.
c) The home inspector should disclaim inspection and recommend evaluation if unable to confirm trash compaction.
d) all of the above

Answer 24

d) all of the above

Question 25

Typical Defects, Trash Compactor Typical defects that home inspectors should report include: (choose the inaccurate one)

1. compactor makes no sound when activated
2. compactor makes loud or unusual noise when activated
3. compactor does not compact trash
4. compactor cabinet displays dirt, grime or debris

Answer 25

4. compactor cabinets that are rusted or deteriorated should be reported, not if dirty or debris