Atlas Property Services

09/15/2026

This week we are talking about carbon monoxide safety in and around your home. You may be using a fireplace soon so make sure your chimney is clear and you have a CO detector to monitor it:

03/25/2026

Why That’s a Problem Wednesday: High Water Pressure

Water pressure that’s too high might feel great at the faucet… but it can cause problems throughout the plumbing system.

Most residential systems are designed to operate between 40–80 PSI. The International Residential Code (IRC) states that water pressure should not exceed 80 PSI, and if it does, a pressure reducing valve (PRV) is required.

📊 What this means:
When pressure is too high, it puts added stress on the entire system—not just one fixture.

🚿 Why it matters:
High water pressure can:

● Wear out fixtures like faucets, toilets, and valves
● Increase the likelihood of leaks at connections
● Shorten the lifespan of appliances such as water heaters, dishwashers, and washing machines

Over time, that extra pressure can lead to premature failure of plumbing components.

👀 How to identify it:

● Water flow feels unusually strong
● Banging or knocking sounds in pipes (water hammer)
● Frequent fixture leaks or repairs
● Pressure can be tested using a simple gauge at a hose connection

🏷️ What this can affect:
Water heaters, fixtures, valves, supply lines, and appliances are designed for normal residential water pressure. Even though a water heater may have a 150 PSI temperature and pressure relief valve, that is a safety limit—not a normal operating target. Consistently high pressure can increase wear on seals, fittings, valves, and appliance components over time.

🔧 What to do next:
If pressure is above 80 PSI, have a licensed plumbing contractor evaluate the system. A pressure reducing valve (PRV) may need to be installed or adjusted to bring the system within an acceptable range.

03/18/2026

Why That’s a Problem Wednesday: Federal Pacific Stab-Lok Panels

Federal Pacific Stab-Lok panels are often flagged during home inspections because of documented concerns with breaker performance and panel design.

A circuit breaker’s job is simple: shut off power during an overload or short circuit. If it doesn’t trip when it should, wiring can overheat and the risk of damage increases.

📊 What testing has shown:
Testing referenced by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) found that a significant percentage of Stab-Lok breakers failed to trip under overload conditions, and some even jammed and would not trip at all.

Additional field testing showed:

▪ About 48% of tested 2-pole breakers failed under certain conditions
▪ Some breakers jammed closed, meaning no protection at all
▪ Even some single-pole breakers showed measurable failure rates

To put that in perspective, a breaker that doesn’t trip is similar to overfusing a circuit, allowing more current than the wiring is designed to handle.

⚠️ Panel design concerns:
The issue isn’t just the breakers. Some panels have been found to have internal connection problems that can overheat, and in some documented cases, this overheating has led to damage within the panel itself.

Some configurations may also lack a main breaker, meaning if a breaker fails, there may be no backup protection at all.

👀 How to identify one:

▪ Label says Federal Pacific Electric (FPE)
▪ Panel or breakers say “Stab-Lok”
▪ Breakers often have red markings or red stripes
▪ Label is typically on the panel door or inside the cabinet

💼 Insurance note:
These panels are commonly viewed as higher risk, and some insurance companies may request evaluation or replacement.

📚 What the Code says:
The NEC does not ban specific brands, but it does require properly listed equipment, proper replacement parts, and safe installation practices. When equipment has known performance concerns, it often gets flagged during inspections.

🔧 What to do next:
If you have one of these panels, have it evaluated by a licensed electrician.
Buying or selling a home? A home inspection can help identify it early so you can plan your next steps.

03/06/2025

🏡 Thinking about buying or selling a home? Make sure it’s inspected by the experts! 🏡

At Atlas Property Services, you're not just hiring a home inspector—you’re hiring a licensed master electrician, electrical inspector, and an expert with years of hands-on experience in commercial, industrial, and residential construction.

🔎 Buying? Get the full picture before signing.
🛠️ Selling? Fix hidden issues before they derail a sale.
⚡ Electrical concerns? I’m the only home inspector in the area who’s also a master electrician and electrical inspector—so nothing gets overlooked.
🏗 More than just homes! My experience spans commercial and industrial projects, meaning I bring a higher level of expertise than a typical home inspector.

Trust a licensed and insured inspector with the expertise to give you a clear picture of your home’s condition. 📋🏠

📞 Call or text 304-800-9466
🌎 Visit atlaswv.net

11/08/2024

01/06/2024

🏡✨ Unlock the Pre-Inspection Advantage with Atlas Property Services! ✨🏡

Are you ready to elevate your home-selling experience?

🔍 GAIN INSIGHTS: Understand the condition of your property in depth to ensure there are no unexpected issues during the buyer's inspection.

🔧 COMPLETE REPAIRS: Address any outstanding issues at your own pace, avoiding the rush to fix things before closing.

🛡️ INCREASE COMPETITIVENESS: Show potential buyers the safety and security of your home, empowering your negotiation stance with transparent pricing.

📈 STREAMLINE SALE: Boost buyer trust and minimize negotiation back-and-forth, even if they opt for an additional inspection.

A pre-inspection with Atlas Property Services isn't just about checking boxes; it's about giving you the peace of mind and the upper hand in the selling process. Ready to take the next step? Contact us today!

12/20/2023

🏡🌟 We're incredibly grateful for the kind words from our valued clients! It's always a pleasure to hear that our service has made a positive impact. Thank you for choosing Atlas Property Services! Your satisfaction is our priority.

10/07/2023

🎃 Halloween is around the corner, and we all love to go all out with our festive decorations! But did you know overloaded circuits are a major cause of residential fires? 🔥 Check out this important infographic from .org to keep your home safe this spooky season. 👻

09/19/2023

Unlock the secrets of your home with a comprehensive inspection. Know what needs fixing now, and what can wait. Book your inspection today! 🏠🔍

09/10/2023

🏈 Sports legend Joe Theismann knows a thing or two about making solid plays, both on and off the field. 🎥 Watch as he talks about the unbeatable 90-Day Buyback Guarantee we offer through InterNACHI. Your investment is safe with us—guaranteed. 🏡