If a gate valve seems to function with no indications of leaking, would I report it as no defect or should it be recommend that a ball valve be installed. This is the main shutoff valve.
You do not want to operate any service shutoff valve, regardless of type, whether gate, globe or ball in the course of a home inspection.
I agree and would not ever operate any valve, just curious if it would be something to recommend knowing that usually over time a gate valve may not close completely due to internal corrosion or impurities settling in the lines.
You can provide an informational statement about the unreliability of gate vales if you wish, but I would not call the presence of one a defect (there are millions of them out there) nor would I make any assumptions about “seems to function” for any valve not operated.
Thank you sir! I really appreciate your input. This is my first mock inspection that I am doing on my own home to find out where I am weak and I already know I am weak in plumbing and HVAC.
Do you know what the marking “WOG” is on a valve??
Having not been thru the plumbing course yet, no I do not.
And the Nachi course may not make it clear if at all.
Here is a quick answer on another Forum that tells you what you will mostly need to know going forward, and should answer your current question about valves in general…