WHY SHOULD YOU KNOW WHERE THE EMERGENCY WATER SHUT-OFF VALVE?
Like knowing where to find the electric breaker, you need to know where your main water supply shut-off is in case of a plumbing emergency.
In the event that your home has a burst pipe or other emergency, your main supply shut-off valve is your best line of defense. If you don’t know where your shut-off valve is, your home is at risk for severe water damage.
LOCATING YOUR SHUT-OFF VALVE
There is no one easy or fast answer to the question, “where is my emergency water shut-off valve?” The location of your shut-off valve will largely depend on the arrangement of your plumbing, what type of home you live in, and when your home was built.
The best option for finding your shut-off valve is to physically search for it around your home. The valve may be located inside or outside of your home, but there are a few common locations for the valve that you could check first.
CHECK THE BASEMENT
Shut-off valves are frequently located in the basement about 3-5 feet from where the main water enters the front foundation wall. Also, check near the mechanical room or near other large appliances like your water heater or furnace.
IN THE CRAWL SPACE
If you have a crawl space, the shut-off valve may be located there near the water heater or under the kitchen sink.
OUTSIDE THE HOME
If your shut-off valve isn’t in the basement, crawl space, or mechanical room, you should consider checking outside of your home. The valve could be underground in a “pit” or near the property line.
CHOOSING FROM MULTIPLE VALVES
Some homes, especially newer homes or ones with a fire sprinkler system, may have more than one valve. Be sure to close the valve that is “downstream” from the fire sprinkler.
Homes without fire sprinklers, typically only have one valve.
CLOSING THE VALVE
The most important thing about closing the main valve is ensuring that the valve is completely shut.
- Round “wheel” handles – turn the handle clockwise for or more full turns
- Level handle valves – ¼ turn until the handle is not parallel with the pipe
After closing the valve, open a faucet on the other side of the house to ensure that the pressure is released and the pipes are empty.
Shut off electric water heaters and boilers when the main water is off. Also, ensure to shut off the gas and turn the thermostat down.
CONSULT A PLUMBER
If you are unsure where the water shut-off valve is in your home, or if you are unsure how to turn the main water off for your home, consult a professional plumber. The plumbers at First Class HVAC are available to help with all of your plumbing needs.
Consider a preventative maintenance plan with First Class HVAC to be prepared for a plumbing emergency in your home. Call (302) 804-1309 today.