How and Where to Shut Off Water
The fastest way to prevent water damage during a plumbing leak is to shut off the relevant water valve. Also, before working on the plumbing and water system, shutting off the water supply is always the first step.
Isolating the area to shut off makes a much smaller impact on the system as a whole. That's why it's wise to shut off as small a portion as possible for repair purposes.
This article identifies some of the standard valves in the home and how to shut them off.
Main water valve
Shutting off the main water valve should be a last resort, or when the family is away from home for extended periods. In a basement, the main valve is usually located on an interior wall near the side of the house facing the street.
The valve can be identified by the water pressure regulator that directly follows the valve on the line. It can be shut off by simply turning the valve clockwise if it's a gate valve. Or turn it perpendicular to the pipe if it's a ball valve.
If the home doesn't have a basement, the valve is in a water meter box close to the edge of where the property line meets the street. Open the meter box to see a valve on either side of the meter. Don't manipulate the city valve, which requires a special key. Instead, turn the ball valve on the other side of the meter to be perpendicular to the mainline leading to the home.
Faucet valves
To work on or replace a faucet, don't shut off water to the entire home. Instead, turn off the water supply only to the faucet. Look in the water cabinet beneath the tap for two inlet valves with oval-shaped handles.
One is for the hot water and the other for cold water. Tighten both valves completely to turn off the water supply and then open the faucet to relieve any remaining water pressure.
Toilet valve
Similar to a faucet, you'll find a small valve with an oval handle somewhere near your toilet tank. Tighten it completely to cut off the water supply to the toilet. Then, flush the toilet once to release the water from the tank. It won't refill with water.
Prevent water damage and work on your plumbing safely
It's always a good idea to know where the shut off valves are in the home prevent a disaster if the need arises. Look for the key areas to shut off in the house and make sure the valves that control those areas are readily accessible.
Water Wise Plumbing is a local, full-service residential plumbing company serving Las Vegas, Henderson, Paradise, Boulder City, Pahrump, and North Las Vegas. We provide Tankless water heater service, water softeners, water heater flush, leak detection and repair, water line rerouting, pipe installation, hydro-jetting, sewer services, and more. We are family-owned and operated, certified, and insured. We offer flat rate pricing and 24-hour emergency service.Call us today at (702) 605-6408.
