Where’s The Water Shut-Off Valve?

2/14/2018 (Permalink)

Minimize the extent of water damage by knowing how to shut off your water during a water emergency.

In an emergency, you may have to shut off the water to your home. For example, freezing or thawing may cause a water pipe to break. Water pipe breaks are also common with most types of natural disasters (winter storms, hurricanes, tornadoes, and more).  Take some time to locate your shut-off valve before an emergency strikes so that you will be better prepared to act quickly if needed.   

Where’s The Water Shut-Off Valve?
1. Look for the water shut-off valve where the water line enters your house. If you still have a copy of the home inspection report from the purchase of your home, the location of the shut-off valve may be included in the plumbing section of the report.  In most homes in Huntsville, the water shut-off valve should be just inside the house where the water line enters through your home’s foundation or exterior wall. 

2. Often the water shut-off valve is a quarter-turn ball valve. If that’s what you have, turn the valve a quarter of a turn until it’s perpendicular to the water pipe. Or your home may have a round handle that you turn clockwise until you can’t turn it anymore. Don’t have a master shut-off valve in your home? Have one installed by a plumber.   

If You Have Water Damage Call SERVPRO Of South Madison County at (256) 533-5335

3. Another water shut-off option is closing the municipal water meter shut-off valve. This valve, if you have municipal water, typically is in your front or side yard. Look for a round metal lid or box close to your property line. It’s often 24 to 48 inches from the curb or fence line.

Don’t reach into the meter box until you inspect the area for debris and rodents. You may want to wear gloves. Once inside the municipal water meter box, you’ll need pliers or a specialty tool to turn the valve. Turn it until it’s perpendicular to the water pipe.
 
Shut-Off Valves For Single Rooms
Sometimes you only need to shut off the water to one room. Most newer houses have shut-off valves at every sink and toilet. Your water heater may have several shut-off valves. If your issue is one leaking sink, just shut off water to that sink. If you know the water heater is leaking, just shut the valves to it off.

If you have a young relative who has recently moved out on their own for the first time, share these tips with them.  Landlords may also want to make sure that all of their tenants are aware of the location of the shut-off valve.