Smyrna Georgia / Cobb County Georgia
Certified Inspector

Home, Condo, Commercial Inspection Services

Home Inspection Library J C Weise Property Inspector Woodstock, GA www.UpscaleInspections.com

Valves And Gas Pilot Lights

Only a visual inspection of shutoff valves. I not only want you to be safe in your new home, I want to be safe while I am inspecting your new home. Therefore, I do not turn any water or gas shutoff valves on or light any gas pilots, simply because I do not know why the valves or breakers were off or why the gas pilots were turned off. Turning valves or trying to light gas pilots without such knowledge can cause property damage, personal injury, and, in a worst case scenario, loss of life. I also do not do any of the opposite functions, i.e., turning water or gas shutoff valves off or extinguishing any gas pilot lights.

The function of the water heater TPR drain pipe cannot be determined since it is connected to a valve; it is given a visual inspection only.
Due to the constant pressure in the water supply lines and the lack of daily use of shutoff valves at the toilets, sinks, and water heater, the valves can fail at any time. Many sellers try to be helpful by turning off all the water shutoff valves at the toilets, sinks, and water heater as the last thing they do when they move out. That is exactly the wrong thing to do. In many cases the valves are very difficult to turn due to rust, corrosion, and/or mineral build-up from hard water, and when they are forced, they break and then leak when they are turned back on. I recommend that you have a licensed plumbing professional inspect water shutoff valves at the toilets, sinks, and water heater before close of escrow to ensure proper operation.

If you choose not to have the water shutoff valves at the toilets, sinks, and water heater inspected and tested before close of escrow, I recommend that you instruct the sellers to leave the water on at all water-using appliances, particularly if you are going to be moving in within a couple of days or so. If you intend to leave the residence vacant for any longer than a weekend, click here for helpful information about a vacant residence.

If you have any questions about anything, simply contact me.

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