Damaged water lines, corroded pipes, frozen pipes bursting, or pipes breaking due to roots invasion, can cause water to gush out and result in wastage. In such emergencies, you must know how to quickly turn off the water supply to your house and save it from potential water damage. Some of the most common plumbing problems can be solved just by turning off your main water shut-off valve.
Even a small crack in your pipes can escalate into a full-fledged plumbing emergency and cause an unwanted flood in your house. As a homeowner, you need to have the essential skill of knowing the emergency water shut off in the house because every second counts. Unfortunately, most homeowners put this off and ignore it. So when an emergency strikes and there is water cascading down and panic all over, the water starts pooling around your house and causes damage. The overflow can cause water to seep into the carpeting or even your walls.
To avoid this, make sure you spend a few moments to know where the emergency water shut-off is inside your house, as well as leading to it. Map out the emergency water shut-offs throughout the house and ensure that everyone in the family should be aware of the quick steps they need to take in case of a burst pipe.
Know Your Plumbing System
Before we get into the step-by-step process of the emergency water shut off in a house, you need to understand your plumbing system, which is a maze of pipes, valves, and taps that control the water inlet and outlet of your house. But this network of pipes is controlled by a main shit-off valve, which is usually around the area where the water enters the house. This could be the crawl space, the meter box, or perhaps a utility room.
Finding the Emergency Water Shut off Valve
During an emergency, the first thing you must do is to find and turn-off the main water valve to shut off the water. If you have a hot water system installed in your house, chances are that there is a separate shut-off valve for the hot water supply to your house.
Another thing you need to know is the type of emergency shut-off valve that you have installed in your house. Most new homes, or new plumbing systems, usually have ball valves which are very easy to turn on and off. You can simply turn the lever to 90-degrees till it is perpendicular to the pipe and cut off the water supply. Older homes or plumbing systems have gate valves that take several turns, and sometimes even a wrench, to turn off the water.
Stop or isolation valves, as the name suggests, control the water supply to separate appliances or taps. So if it is only your bathroom tap that is leaking, turning the isolation valve will cut off the water to just that sink and allow you to repair the leak without affecting the water supply to the rest of your house.
Turning Off the Water Supply
Now that you know where the shut-off valves are in your house as well as the different types of valves, let’s look at the specific and quick steps to take when there is a plumbing emergency.
Get to the main shut-off valve immediately
You have already mapped out the different water valves in your home. Get to the main valve before the emergency intensifies further.
Turn the valve to close
No matter what kind of valve you have, typically you need to turn it clockwise to stop the water flow. A ball valve needs a quarter turn, while you need to keep turning a gate valve until it stops. If your valve is stuck, then contact a plumber for help.
Clear any standing water
Overflowing or leaking water could have pooled near the valve. In such cases, make sure you are being careful. After turning off the valve, drain out any collected water by using a hose or other means. This helps minimize water damage and lessens the pressure on the plumbing. Contact a professional plumber if required.
Prevent electrocution
Also check if there is any water leaking or collected near your electrical appliances. Cut off the electric supply to the appliance before you begin any repairs.
Maintain an emergency kit
It is a good idea to have a plumbing emergency kit handy to help you respond immediately. It should contain important tools like a shifting wrench, valve handles, and protective gloves.
Shutting off the water outside
The main water line leading to your house is almost always located where your property line ends, and can be found in a covered box underground. This is called a meter pit, and you will need a meter key to turn off the water supply. Most hardware stores sell water meter keys.
Call a Professional for Repairs
After you have turned off the water supply and contained the emergency, it is now time to assess the need for repair. We advise contacting a professional plumber to make sure your plumbing issue is addressed properly and does not recur.
Regular maintenance
Inspect your plumbing pipes and appliances like water heaters, washing machines, dishwashers etc., regularly to make sure that your plumbing system remains in good shape in future.
Albion Plumbing and Rooter, Inc., are highly experienced plumber in alameda dealing with plumbing emergencies and provide their customers with 24/7 professional assistance. They are your trusted partner when you need quick, effective solutions and peace of mind.
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