Don’t touch that dial! . . . . . or should I say handle?
// April 15th, 2009 // Become a home inspector
Well today I want to talk about another trait of a great home inspector. Knowing to keep your hands to yourself unless you have permission! Today on my second inspection, the gas meter was not in place, so that means there was no heat. It was around 30 degrees today and snowing in Pittsburgh. The house was like a meat locker. The water was off, because no heat = frozen water pipes in my neck of the woods. Well, the buyer was upset that there was no gas on to check the furnace, waterheater, gas lines, etc. I told him that with the gas off, we can not turn the water on, and we would be unable to check the plumbing. I suggested that we reschedule and come back when we could do a proper inspection.
His father had taken the day off to come to the inspection for moral support and they really wanted to do as much as could be done today. The buyer’s agent called the seller’s agent who got permission from the seller for us to turn the water on. I was against turning it on, although with the permission of the seller. . . . . regardless of any damage that might be caused, I slowly turned it on. To make a long post short.
Water on for around 30 seconds. . . . . water leaking through gameroom ceiling into basement and saturating new carpet! I was thinking, I told you so, although kept my mouth shut. We turned the water off, contacted the seller, and cut the inspection short. What do you think would of happened if I turned it on, without permission? I would be paying to repair a ceiling, dry the carpeting and padding or possible replacement!
Moral of the story. Never, ever turn on shut off valves without permission. If they are off, it is usually for a reason. This goes for gas valves too, which can be even more dangerous. The utilities should be on for you when you arrive at the inspection. If they are off, don’t try and be a nice guy and turn them on without the ok to do it. If you do, you are only playing with fire. Don’t say I didn’t warn you. Talk to you soon.
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