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Only a visual inspection of shutoff valves and circuit breakers is done. We not only want you to be safe in your new home, we want to be safe while we are inspecting your new home. Therefore, we do not turn any water or gas shutoff valves on, move any electric circuit breakers to the “on” position, plug in anything that has been unplugged, or light any gas pilots, simply because we do not know why the valves or breakers were off, why the equipment was unplugged, or why the gas pilots were turned off.
Turning valves and breakers on, plugging in equipment, or trying to light gas pilots without such knowledge can cause property damage, personal injury, and, in a worst case scenario, loss of life. We also do not do any of the opposite functions, i.e., turning water or gas shutoff valves off, moving electric circuit breakers to the “off” position, unplug anything that is plugged in, or extinguish any gas pilots. Outlets in use and outlets blocked by furnishings and storage are not tested; inspectors do not unplug anything from any outlet in order to test an outlet and do not move furniture or storage. Some outlets might have been operated by wall switches but were not accessible for testing. The function of some outlets might not have been determined for various reasons. Only a maximum of 50% of the electric receptacles are tested (one receptacle per two-receptacle outlet). Outlets are easily damaged during the escrow period and during the move-out/move-in process. Outlets that were working and in good condition at time of inspection could be damaged or not working by the time Client is completely moved in. Any circuit breakers that were in the “off” position are noted as such |
and are not switched to the “on” position. If breaker tripping problems are detected, you should seek the guidance of a qualified electrician; circuits might be overloaded or a short might have occurred at an outlet or switch.
The function of the water heater TPR discharge pipe cannot be determined since it is connected to a valve; it is given a visual inspection only. Due to the constant pressure in the water supply lines and the lack of daily use of shutoff valves at the toilets, sinks, and water heater, the valves can fail at any time. Many sellers try to be helpful by turning off all the water shutoff valves at the toilets, sinks, and water heater as the last thing they do when they move out. This typically is exactly the wrong thing to do. In many cases the valves are very difficult to turn due to rust, corrosion, and/or mineral build-up from hard water, and when they are forced, they break and leak when they are turned back on. We recommend that you have qualified personnel inspect water shutoff valves at the toilets, sinks, and water heater before close of escrow to ensure proper operation. If you choose not to have the water shutoff valves at the toilets, sinks, and water heater inspected and tested before close of escrow, we recommend that you instruct the sellers to leave the water on at all water-using appliances, particularly if you are going to be moving in within a couple of days or so. If you intend to leave the residence vacant for any longer than a weekend, click here for helpful information about a vacant residence. |
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