How to prove there is a ground rod

Stevenfyeager said:
Is there a way to prove that there is a ground rod to the home inspector, even though it is not visible outside and covered with concrete?
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If a home inspector wants ”proof”, they are overstepping, IMO. The only one that you need to prove it to is the seller and/or buyer. As long as you are willing to stand by your word, which would remove any liability for the home inspector.

Reporting a latent condition as a defect is beyond the scope of a home inspection
 
HIGuy said:
Reporting a latent condition as a defect is beyond the scope of a home inspection
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I would argue that this depends on the issue. FedPac/Zinsco panel? We're something like 40-plus years into knowing just how bad these panels are, so if I were an inspector, I'd consider it a defect to have not been replaced by now.
 
If the buyer is concerned, cut the existing wire, exothermic weld a longer piece and drive 2 new ground rods. But yes, the inspector is incorrect in my opinion. He could make note of it but not require it.
 
Does this have anything to do with a pool?
My boss got a call Friday from someone sounding desperate, had a home inspector requiring a pool grounding grid to be tested (old pool) probably $1M home, we have gotten these calls before.
Apparently is a law in some states for pools.
It was holding up a home sale.
He asked I had herd of that and the only place I have is at Mikes classes, I have never tested ground electrode systems of any kind and would not even know where to begin,
I asked around at the supply house and people I know and I dont know any electricians here that have tested a ground rod or any other grounding systems to see if it worked nor even have such a tester.
I told my boss to pass on the pool job because of the liability, He was going to test it with his regular multi meter and write a letter, but then wanted me to.
 
Stevenfyeager said:
Is there a way to prove that there is a ground rod to the home inspector, even though it is not visible outside and covered with concrete?
Thank you
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Yes, there is one very solid and reputable way to prove there is a ground rod. Others have eluded, even you mentioned it would be easy to do. Sometimes the most obvious is the easiest to miss.

Unfortunately there is one very serious and annoying drawback to this one simple, sure-fire solution. It could be totally unnecessary. It could cost you time and money. But ultimately it would still probably be faster and cheaper.

What is this fix-all miracle-cure you ask?

Yup, you guessed it. Hammer in two new rods and run a new GEC. Now you can prove without a shadow of a doubt, it's there.

(Just make sure there's no gas line buried there. Boom.)
 
The nearest natural gas line to us is probably at least 50 miles away, but we do have propane tanks, and it’s usually easy to figure out where they run because gas guys don’t dig more than six inches deep here. Utility locate will not locate those here.
 
I know this is an old thread but seeing this is a HI's comment I would tell the person requesting proof they need to contract someone to demo the concrete if they think it's really a big deal.
 
pipe_bender said:
Does this have anything to do with a pool?
My boss got a call Friday from someone sounding desperate, had a home inspector requiring a pool grounding grid to be tested (old pool) probably $1M home, we have gotten these calls before.
Apparently is a law in some states for pools.
It was holding up a home sale.
He asked I had herd of that and the only place I have is at Mikes classes, I have never tested ground electrode systems of any kind and would not even know where to begin,
I asked around at the supply house and people I know and I dont know any electricians here that have tested a ground rod or any other grounding systems to see if it worked nor even have such a tester.
I told my boss to pass on the pool job because of the liability, He was going to test it with his regular multi meter and write a letter, but then wanted me to.
Click to expand...
FYI, testing a grounding electrode system and testing a pool's equipotential bonding grid would be two different things. I have seen a spec where you, checked a length of wire for its resistance, attached the wire to one location and just used an ohm meter to measure to other metal components and recording the resistance. I assumed and still do that if you have the equipment to test hospitals per NFPA 99, you could use that meter to great effect. Ours is a Hamden meter.
 
Another way
Documentation
Original building plans include earthing diagram and rod location may
Permits and inspection records,
ahj inspected installation electrical work records at county department
 
Drive a new ground rod and connect it to to the GEC connection point in the main panel. You can prove that the new one is there. Some things are not worth fighting over.
 
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