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Mr. Jim Tatum -4- December 6, 1994 <br />"b. Regarding the ground water supply pump and drain in the basement. This house stood <br />for over 60 years with the same location, irrigation patterns, and probable water level <br />depths below ground with no evidence of subsidence and clacking. Why do you think <br />this damage is now being caused by the same ground water conditions that have existed <br />over 60 years without problems?" <br />Our information pertaining to subsidence of the soils supporting the Solitario ranch house <br />came from the March 8, 1993 report prepared for you by Colorado Real Estate Inspection <br />Services, Inc. of Denver, Colorado. This report stated on Page 3 that "Areas of water <br />ponding exist around the entire building perimeter, which contributes to localized <br />subsidence/compaction of the soils near the foundation." <br />Our information pertaining to leaks in the boiler or heating system piping and groundwater <br />conditions came from the same report. Division personnel have not themselves inspected <br />your boiler or heating system piping. This report states on Page 4 that: <br />The basemem has a shallow sump pit which comained water. The water level at the <br />time of this inspection was within inches of overflowing. The sump pit was once <br />equipped with an automaric sump pump and discharge line. It has been replaced with <br />a gravity discharge drain. Walking the bank along the north side of the home, we were <br />unable to find the termination point of the discharge drain to confirm that it was <br />brought to full daylight on the building exterior. Water in the sump pit was clear, <br />making us quesrion if there is a leak in the potable water supply or pipes [emphasis <br />added], which could be replenishing the sump pit. This inspection did not occur during <br />irrigation or spring runo.~`'season which would likely contribute to even greater <br />hydrostatic pressure beneath the house. The Foreman present during this inspection <br />was asked how ofren water is added to the boiler. His reply was 'daily. ' This <br />freauenc2of adding water to a boiler is highly irregular, unless there is a leak in the <br />boiler's D(O1nY, [emphasis added], which could aLro be a source ojreplenishment of the <br />sump pit. <br />Further information pertaining to potential problems with plumbing and surface water <br />drainage at the Solitario ranch house may be found on page 2 of the Colorado Real Estate <br />Inspection Services report. On page 2 of this report, Colorado Real Estate Inspection <br />Services made ten recommendations. Four of these pertained to potential plumbing and <br />surface water drainage problems in and around the ranch house: <br />"5. Retain the services of a qualified hydronic heating contractor to conduct a pressure test <br />on the boiler and i[s distribution lines and make the necessary repau•." <br />"6. Retain the services of a qualified plumbing contractor to pressure test the water pipe <br />under the building and all exterior water hydrants for leakage and make the necessary <br />repair. " <br />