Water Shut-off Valves...Why they may not work when you need them most.
Water shut-off valves often get overlooked in home maintenance, but if they aren’t used or turned regularly, they can become stiff, stop working, or even start leaking over time. This is why it’s important they be evaluated during a home inspection.
What you should do
Recommended Maintenance Schedule
- Ideal Frequency: Every 6 months for all internal shut-offs (sinks, toilets, appliances).
- Minimum Frequency: Once per year for the main water shut-off valve.
- Maximum Interval: Never go more than two years without exercising them, as they risk “freezing” in the open position after that point.
Why “Exercising” Matters
Regularly turning your valves on and off (exercising) keeps them from becoming inoperable when you need them most.
- Prevents Seizing: Moving the valve breaks up sediment and mineral deposits that accumulate over time.
- Identifies Issues Early: It allows you to spot leaks, corrosion, or difficulty turning before an actual emergency occurs.
- Maintains Seal Integrity: Periodic use helps maintain the integrity of seals and distributes lubrication evenly.
Safety Tips for Homeowners
- Don’t Force It: If a valve is stuck, do not use a wrench or pliers to force it, as you could snap the stem and cause a major leak.
- Timing: Perform your tests on a weekday morning rather than a weekend or holiday. This ensures that if a valve breaks or starts leaking, you can easily reach a professional for immediate repair.
- Identify Valve Type: Lever-style (ball) valves usually only require a quarter turn, while wheel-style valves require several full rotations to close completely.
- Open a Faucet: Before testing the main shut-off, turn on a nearby faucet to a gentle stream to confirm when the water has successfully stopped.
Agave Property Inspections LLC keeps up to date with the latest trends and technologies in the home inspection industry so we can keep serving you better.