Ball and Gate Water Shutoff Valves

Each house should have an accessible main water shutoff near the entrance of the water service. The main water shutoff valve is the point between the water service pipe and the water distribution system. It must be a full-open valve, usually a gate valve or a ball valve. Inspectors should look for missing, loose, or damaged valve handle (or handwheel). Inspectors should not turn the valve during a home inspection. Inspectors should look for water leaks that may come from the valve stem, packing washer, and packing nut. To check for water leaks at the main water shutoff valve, inspectors could wipe the bottom of the valve body with their hands and look for watermarks on the floor below the valve. The valve should be located so that it can be reached or approached for inspection, observation, maintenance, adjustment, repair, or replacement. Refer to 2021 IRC P2303.9 Valves. According to the InterNACHI® Home Inspection Standards of Practice at www.nachi.org/sop, the home inspector should inspect the main water supply shutoff valve, describe its location, and report as in need of correction any water leaks observed during the inspection.