One thing that is universal about laundry rooms is that the walls behind washers and dryers are often trashed either from mechanical damage or hidden leaks----both past and present. I can imagine what many buyers must think when they start to move in and find these conditions when they go to install their own washer and dryer. The walls weren't visible when they looked at the property initially because the sellers appliances where installed and the inspector didn't notice (or couldn't see) the damage either.
It is not too hard to understand the need for fire-rated walls between attached dwellings like condos and townhouses. While the requirements have changed over the years and there are variations in the requirements from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, it is a good idea to look for problems related to the walls between these types of structures. So, it is only logical that a possible place for the firewall to be compromised would be behind the washer dryer.
These areas are very difficult to visually inspect unless you are fortunate enough to be 7 feet tall and can adequately lean over the units to have a look see. Even that doesn't help if shelving is installed in the way above them. I can usually get my camera in a position to shoot some "hail-Mary" photos of the area---often revealing all kinds of funs stuff from missing underwear to ruptured supply hoses and bad electrical connections. Also, any damage to walls might be visible.
This was the case in a Condo I inspected the other day. Apparently in order for the appliances to be installed, and still allow for the bi-fold doors to close, there wasn't quite enough room behind the dryer to run the vent pipe. The installer just cut away some of the drywall of the fire-wall between the two units. Probably not the best solution, and it is another example of the breakdown that happens with overspecialization and/or lack of knowledge about the requirements of other trades. (Translates to "job security" for me)
A large percentage of house fires are involved with dryer venting. For more information on this particular type of dryer foil vent pipe please visit my post: Slay the "Fire-Breathing Dryer!"
Charles Buell
PS, for those of you that are new to my blog (or for some other "unexplained" reason have never noticed)
all pictures and smiley-face inserts (emoticons) (when I use them) have messages that show up when you point at them with your cursor.
DeCroe, is my "certiflied" home inspector assistant and occasionally flies into my blog to offer assistance. To find out more about her beginnings just click on Raven.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Click on the Rose 
to check out: AHA!---A Forum of Landmark Proportions---your Group
PS, for those of you that are new to my blog (or for some other "unexplained" reason have never noticed)
all pictures and smiley-face inserts (emoticons) (when I use them) have messages that show up when you point at them with your cursor.
My WORDLESS WEDNESDAY pictures and some selected POEMS & STORIES.
what were they thinging? You should always cut out drywall in 4 foot sections so there are less seams for the next guy to repair, lol.
Charles has that vent pipe actually changed colors from the heat or is that just a trick of shadows. Either way I think someone needs to address this in the very near future.
That is a good one. That camera trick is also a neat tip. I usually use my mirror but even then things can be tough to see.
And again, great title
You are right. There's often damage behind the dryer and washer. And even more often the floor covering is damaged!
Good catch Charlie. Behind the laundry appliances can be a no-man's land.
Robert---good point:)
Jack---just some trick photography!
Jim, the camera is a great extension of my own eyes----amazing what it can catch.
Barbara, too true----the floors take even more of a beating than the walls sometimes.
Steve, yup----they sure can be----good area to check carefully.
Your right about that. If it's not visible you might get a big surprise once you start moving in. At that point there isn't a whole lot you can expect back from the seller.
Good morning Charles, It is really amazing what destruction a goof ball with a sawzall can do. I often think that they leave their brains in the truck along side their lunch box...
Happy New Year
I thought "sock heaven" was behind the washer and dryer. That's where I always find them -- LOL.
Best wishes for health, happiness, peace, and prosperity in 2009.
Hi Charles, Ouch, ouch, ouch! I'm sure that as an inspector you pretty much see it all. Thanks for sharing.
Angelia, yes---best to find it before.
Maybe we should start making "electric" drywall in crucial areas:)
Jim, yup---that is where most of the runaways end up. Best wishes to you and Russel as well.
Charlie, The camera is like having a periscope. I use it the same way for a look see when you can't quite get your head and body into a tight spot.
The dryer vent hose is always something I look at during an inspection. New construction here requires smooth rigidpipe. No more flex ducts on dryers and for good reason.
James, too true-----and with a little duct tape, a stick and the camera "timer function"----you can see into some difficult spaces:)
Duct tape and a pole. Do you include chewing gum and string in that bag of tricks.
James---at least I don't duct tape my camera to a squirrel:) Nutsy is now flash blind!
re-blog- thanks in advance for information I can share with my clients. be good cheryl(never been behind a dryer)willis
Cheryl (behind the hair dryer) Willis----glad you liked the post:)
Charles, this has been a busy time and I am thrilled that the inspectors are allowing re-blogs- makes me look a lot smarter- love you and the other boys. cw
Thanks, Chery, it took me a long time to discover that you could allow re-blogging "selectively"----I thought you could only allow it on all or none----I am a slow learner sometimes (even though I have to say I put that question out several times and no one ever got back to me:)
I think it is a neat tool to add to the blogging b/c it shows up in the outside blog and adds to the overall makeup of things a peer is interested in. I am not in your business but may have a chance to add to conversation something you took the time to share. be good cw