Switching Off Your Water Main

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If you try to shut the water off to your fixtures by using an angle quit and that doesn't work you will certainly need to close of the water main to make your repair work. There are likewise several various other reasons you might need to shut the water pipe like fixing icy pipelines, fixing leakages, replacing fixtures or faucets.
Lots of people are not mindful that they also have a water pipe valve right in their own house as well as just call a plumber of never ever end up doing the fixing till points get really bad because they just do not know that shutting the water main is truly simple.
The most typical locations a water pipe will certainly be found in house is in your boiler room, basement, or an eliminated panel in an area for your house.
As soon as you locate the water pipe you will merely turn the valve clockwise to shut all the water off in your home until you have finished the repair work. Some houses will have a ball valve with a lever that you can pull instead of look to shut the water off.

WHERE IS MY MAIN WATER SHUT-OFF VALVE?

Gate Valve – This has a dial (round handle). Slowly turn the handle clockwise (to the right) to close it. When you turn the handle, do not apply excessive force or jerk the handle. This can bend and damage the gate or snap the valve stem causing the valve to break in either the open or closed position.

Ball Valve - A ball valve has a lever (long handle). If the lever is in line with the pipe, then the valve is open. If the lever is perpendicular to the top, the valve is closed. Remember, when opening or closing these valves, go slowly.

Important Note: When a valve is quickly closed on water moving at high pressure through pipes, it can cause shock waves through the plumbing that create a hammering sound. Under high enough pressure, water hammer can cause a pipe to weaken and break. For that reason, turn the ball valve lever slowly to avoid damage from water hammer.

Most times, the gate valve will be missing and if the handle is there, chances are once you turn it off, it won’t turn back on. Be sure to call this in so the technician can get that replaced for you to get you going again after the repairs are made. Now that you know what these look like, keep reading to help locate yours.

Where to find the main shut-off valve

Most homes have one main valve and a second shut-off for just the water heater.

On the front yard-side of the house, you will find the main shut-off valve under the water hose connection. This valve will shut down the whole-house water supply.

Sometimes the main shut-off valve is in the same area above, just buried in the ground.

Are you in a condo? It is typically located by the water heater.

When purchasing your home, an inspection report is supplied, including the location in the plumbing section of the report. It may include a photo of the valve for you.

Your fixture might have a separate shut-off valve

Valves on fixtures need extra gentle hands, and if you need to close one, be extremely careful. Our senior technician tells us, “8 out of 10 of these stop valves will be seized up and won’t work.” If you try to force it closed, it will break.

All valves should be exercised a few times per year to prevent this. Also, installing a water softener will extend the life of valves and any other fixtures in the home, such as water heaters, faucets, and dishwashers. Below is a list of typical fixtures that have their own shut-off valve:

Water Heater – These always have a shut-off valve. If your tank has two valves, find the one which brings in cold water and turn it off slowly.

Toilet – On the wall your toilet sits against, there will be a small valve. It is usually located below the bowl and should be turned gently (clockwise) to stop the flow of water.

Sink – Underneath the sink will be a small shut-off valve. During a pipe or faucet leak, turn the handle clockwise to suspend any water from leaking.

Washing Machine – Behind every washing machine should be two valves (and sometimes a lever). Both valves should be turned clockwise. If it’s a lever, turn it in the opposite direction in order to stop the water flow. You may have to move your washing machine to find them.

Bathtub – Some bathtubs have exposed plumbing and will also have a shut-off valve clearly visible. Turn both valves clockwise.

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