Panoptic Inspections LLC - Residential and Commercial

Panoptic Inspections LLC - Residential and Commercial From Cedar Falls to Ottumwa and Iowa City to Des Moines, we're your InterNACHI certified Inspectors! Contact us today to schedule your inspection.

Panoptic Inspections is a family-owned and -operated inspection company here to make your real estate transaction as smooth as possible. Our inspector in Malcom, IA, provides comprehensive residential and commercial property inspections to ensure that you make an informed decision when buying or selling your property. In addition to our standard inspections, we also offer specialized services such

as pest/termite inspections, sewer scopes, radon testing, home watch services, and water quality testing. Trust our highly trained inspectors to give you the peace of mind you need regarding your property.

09/05/2026

I love this guys videos! Very educational

Never have I ever..Gone fishing in the toilet (and lost my lure) I swear that’s a fishing lure… Found in the wild on 8/2...
08/28/2026

Never have I ever..

Gone fishing in the toilet (and lost my lure)

I swear that’s a fishing lure…

Found in the wild on 8/27/26

Why would an inspector REFUSE to flip a breaker back on?Because sometimes the fact that it’s OFF is the warning.I’m ofte...
08/15/2026

Why would an inspector REFUSE to flip a breaker back on?

Because sometimes the fact that it’s OFF is the warning.

I’m often asked during inspections if I’ll reset a breaker, open a shutoff valve, or turn something back on so it can be tested.

My answer is no.

Not because I don’t want to test it — but because I have no idea why someone turned it off in the first place.

A recent inspection showed exactly why that matters.

I found a breaker in the OFF position and left it that way.

Later, while inspecting the attic, I discovered significant charring on the roof sheathing and framing. The breaker’s panel label indicated that circuit served an area in very close proximity to the damage.

Was that circuit definitely responsible for the charring? I can’t say that from a visual inspection alone.

But imagine if I had simply flipped that breaker back on.

That’s why intentionally de-energized circuits and closed valves stay that way during my inspections. If operation is necessary, I recommend the owner demonstrate it or have a qualified contractor present who is prepared to address whatever happens next.

Sometimes the most important decision an inspector makes isn’t what to turn on.

It’s knowing what to leave alone.

Would you have flipped the breaker?

Found this little gem during an inspection: live knob-and-tube wiring with exposed junctions.Now, knob-and-tube wiring a...
07/08/2026

Found this little gem during an inspection: live knob-and-tube wiring with exposed junctions.

Now, knob-and-tube wiring already likes to live by its own rules. It’s not uncommon to find old splices that are not contained in proper junction boxes. But every once in a while, the house decides to really commit to the chaos and gives you live exposed connections that are barely touching.

What could possibly go wrong?

Well… arcing, excessive heat, and fire are all on the menu.

Older wiring systems can remain in service in some homes, but exposed, loose, or poorly made connections are a different issue entirely. This is why electrical inspections matter, especially in older homes where “it’s been that way for years” is not the same thing as “it’s safe.”

06/14/2026

Fascinating!
I mean if you’re a nerd like me…

Yesterday’s inspection turned into a great example of how one system can unintentionally affect another.I was evaluating...
04/29/2026

Yesterday’s inspection turned into a great example of how one system can unintentionally affect another.

I was evaluating an atmospheric water heater and immediately noticed something that shouldn't be there - a melted plastic collar at the draft hood.

That’s a big red flag.

That collar isn’t exposed to direct flame, so when it starts deforming or melting, it’s typically an indication that exhaust gases are not drafting properly and are spilling back out at the top of the unit instead of going up the flue.

Naturally, I checked the vent connector—slope looked good, no obvious installation defects… so what was causing it?

Then I found the missing piece of the puzzle: a Humidex ventilation system in the basement.

These systems are designed to reduce moisture by exhausting air from the basement, but they can also create negative air pressure inside the home.

When that happens, atmospheric appliances like this water heater can’t draft the way they’re designed to. Instead of exhaust gases rising up the vent, they can be pulled back into the space.

That can lead to:

- Back drafting and overheating at the draft hood (like this melted collar)
- Improper venting of combustion gases, including carbon monoxide
- Changes in pressure that may also influence radon entry into the home

👉 The takeaway:
Homes operate as a system. Adding or modifying ventilation can have unintended consequences on combustion appliances.

If you ever see signs like melted components, rusting at the draft hood, or unusual odors—it’s worth having it evaluated.

Address

4498 Highway 63
Malcom, IA
50157

Telephone

+16414810553

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Panoptic Inspections LLC - Residential and Commercial posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category