What is this valve?

[Gordon937]

 

[JacobZ · Accepted solution]

Hi @Gordon937,

Thank you for your question.

It is an isolation valve on either a gas or plumbing line. It is used to turn off the flow of gas or water so maintenance work can be done.

Was there a particular reason that you asked? 

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob

[Gordon937]

Thanks Jacob for some reason the hole is attracting bees.

[JacobZ]

Hi @Gordon937,

Is there any kind of smell around the isolation valve? There is oftentimes a sweet-smelling additive put in natural gas so gas leaks can be noticed. It's possible that if there is a gas leak, the bees are attracted to this smell. If you can smell gas or hear a leak, I'd suggest contacting a plumber with a gas fitting licence immediately. 

It could also be something as simple as it is a protected area that the bees have found shelter in.

As pollinators, bees are super important to our ecosystem so if they are becoming an issue, I'd suggest contacting a beekeeper in your area who I'm positive would be happy to help out by safely relocating the bees.

Let me know what you think.

Jacob

[Gordon937]

Thanks Jacob

Am passing your info to my daughter who has the problem. Apparently they contacted a bee man who sprayed but these scout bees have returned.

[JacobZ]

No worries @Gordon937.

Hopefully, there isn't a leak, but your daughter should definitely prioritise investigating this.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob