What type of valves are considered accessible in water piping systems?

In water piping systems, accessible valves are those that can be easily operated or maintained without major obstacles. Valves that can be worked on after a protective panel is removed fit this definition perfectly. This means that while some effort may be needed to access them, they are designed to be serviceable and don't require extensive construction work to reach. This accessibility is crucial for maintenance, inspections, or emergency repairs, ensuring that plumbing systems remain functional and safe.

Valves located underground are not considered accessible since they require significant excavation efforts to reach. Similarly, valves hidden behind sealed walls would also be classified as inaccessible, as they would necessitate breaking through the walls to access them. Lastly, valves that require special tools to reach complicate the process further, making them less practical for routine maintenance. In contrast, those valves that can be accessed by simply removing a panel are designed with serviceability in mind, ensuring they can be maintained with relative ease.