I had a client ask me today if these old gas valves had to be replaced. He had heard that they were outlawed or recalled or something to that effect. I haven’t heard of that yet. Has anyone else?
looks like a common valve I see …that would be news to me…
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Your client is correct, it’s a very old style taper fit metal to metal valve that has tendency to seize (useless in emergency) and or leak after being turned if not used/serviced in a long time. Best to replace with a modern full-port ball valve, but be careful how you word it 
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Thanks Simon! Learn something new everyday. Glad the client knew of it because I have never heard that.
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I see these old valves all the time, and I rarely ever find one that leaks.
If it ain’t broke, it don’t need fixin’!
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Perhaps that needs to be added to the SOP… operating valves to ensure operability and safety.
I would go far as to say that applies to most valves. And many other building components which may be prone to failure due to age or antiquated design.
My son the plumber has been reporting many problems with old CPVC valves becoming brittle.
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I got your drift. 
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If the “taper valve” design is anything like the taper valve design of the fuel valve on my model T, that thing will leak like a sieve if you ever touch it. As you can see, I had to add a modern ball valve inline under the original taper valve. That was the only way to keep the gas in the gas tank whenever you have to remove the fuel line or carb.
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I agree, I always recommend upgrading/replacing corroded or old main/safety valves. They are rarely maintained/exercised and thus fail the very first time the new homeowner needs to use them.
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(Couldn’t find the sarcasm emoji.) 
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Insurance policy might have a clause regarding them 
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