Hi there, I’m going through the course and need clarification. Under plumbing- main fuel supply - If the home is soley electric, wouldn’t you notate that its only electric?
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I note what each appliance (Stove, WH, furnace, fireplace) fuel type is.
Normally NG, propane, or electric, and wood sometimes for fireplaces, I rarely see fuel oil anymore.
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Welcome to the forum Chris.
? Are you sure it is not Plumbing: ‘Water supply source’… (based on observed evidence)?
Yes, plus ten characters.
Hi Keven, thank you for responding. Here is the question (attached picture) which is in our mock inspections portion of the course. Under plumbing is requests we document main fuel supply shut off valve- I’m assuming we would mark off NOT Present?
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The SOP requires main shut off valve if visible. If there is no fuel shut off valve visible, it can be reported as not present.
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What I’m struggling with understanding, is under the Nachi mock inspections- under plumbing, there is a question " Main Fuel Supply Shut- off valve". Does this only apply to gas water heaters? If it’s an electric water heater, would I note not present? Thank You
You would note that the water heater fuel supply is electric. If you’re having difficulty understanding, shut off valves, I always mark the electric water heater shut off as either being at a disconnect or the electric panel. A shut off valve should be located near the water heater for water supply.
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Yes, “not present” would be the right answer if there is no NG, propane, or fuel oil system.
When it is present I always take a picture and put the location. The shot below is directly out of a recent report.
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Thank you so much. I appreciate your assistance.
In addition to the picture of the gas meter and a description of the location I note that a tool is required (ball valve on meters can not be turned by hand).
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When you really think about it plumbing doesn’t need a fuel source as it operates on water pressure. Only the water heater, so I just note if it’s gas or electric. Sometimes I think that people who make forms have a screw loose or just don’t know the subject.
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In my opinion, the main fuel shut off valve has nothing to do with appliance shut off valves. If you want to note appliance shut off valves, that’s fine. But don’t call them “main”.
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I fully concur. Caught me totally off guard. To myself I though, what the hell are they referring to???
Plumbing - main fuel supply??? Closest I could associate the question with is, circulation pump, well pump, gravity feed.
Sometimes I think that people who make forms have a screw loose or just don’t know the subject.
Again, I fully concur with that notion. Even InterNACHI educational material had speed bumps and misconstrued meaning for structure, systems and components back in the day.
Ray, “You’re The Best!”
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In my reporting software Fuel Shut-off (as well as it’s distribution lines and system) is in the Plumbing section. So I will describe the location: “The Main Fuel Shut is Located Outside at The Gas Meter” (or at the propane tank) then show a picture with the valve circled or pointed to. Or in the case of an All Electric Home, I will click the canned statement saying No Fuel Service to this home, All Electric. The Simple “Not Present” check box doesn’t give your client enough info, especially if they are a chef and want to cook with gas. I have not looked at the InterNACHI mock inspection forms lately but it looks like they are antiquated…reminiscent to the carbon copy paper check lists used…before the digital age of modern electronic reports and cameras.
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IMO, Electricity is a fuel source.
Electricity, NG, LP, Water, Fuel Oil/Diesel, Solar, Wind, etc… are ALL considered fuel sources.
Whatever system they operate, cannot operate without them, thus qualifing them as a fuel.
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