Your Home’s Main Water Shut-Off Valve

Every year the damage to residential homes caused by water will total over
$2,000,000. On average, water leaks in U.S. homes will exceed one trillion gallons
(1,000,000,000,000) a year. And although most homeowners have insurance
policies to help them defray the cost of this damage, the cost still comes back to us
by way of insurance deductibles and increased insurance policy premium payments.
Any type of water leak from burst pipes, running toilets, leaking supply lines, broken
washer hoses, leaky sinks, and broken water heaters will cause significant damage.

Water Mold Fire Restoration, 800-905-0277, believes that to limit expensive and
disastrous damage, you must learn where to turn off the main water supply to your
home as soon as a spill, leak, or flood occurs. Do you know where this very
important main water shut-off valve is located in your home? Do other members of
the household also know? But just knowing the location isn’t enough. Even greater
questions are, does it function properly and how does it work?

When to Shut-Off the Main Water Valve

In case of a leak or broken pipe, your first step should be to try and stop the water
supply at its source. Most of the water supply lines have valves that are located
directlyabove or behind the fixture or appliance they supply water to. The way the
valve works is determined by the type of valve you have. Some valves have a round
handle that turns clockwise to close. Some, called ball valves, have a handle that
usually turns ninety degrees so that they no longer are “in line” with the water line
they are installed on.

It’s important to locate these various shut-off valves BEFORE a leak or break occurs.
And, it is also important to know how to use them to stop the flow of water. Below is
a short list of common shut-off valves and where they may be located:

• Toilet: Look beside the toilet close to the ground, along the supply line that
  leads to the tank.
• Sinks: You can find the valve on the supply lines, which leads to the faucet,
  under the cabinet. There will be 2 shut-off valves for hot and cold water.
• Washing Machines: You can find the valve above the washer or on the wall
  behind the machine.
• Water Heaters: The valve is usually located above the water heater.

As these various valves age, they may collect hard water deposits that keep them
from working properly. They may not close completely or they may break as you
attempt to turn them. If the there is a problem with the valve, you need to turn off
the main water supply immediately. A quick reaction on your part can help save on
the amount of damage and the repair costs.

How to Find the Main Water Shut-Off Valve

Usually, the main water valve is located in the basement or in the crawlspace.
However, there is no mandated location of a shut-off valve in a home. If you are not
sure where the water shut-off valve is, then you can use the following tips to locate
it.

• The water valve is commonly located on-grade and you will find it in the
  basement or close to the ground on the 1 st floor.
• The valve could be attached to the water meter located outside the house.
  Typically, water meters are located in or on your yard, driveway, or sidewalk.
  Or it could be located near the street in a box covered by a metal lid.
• A property inspection report will usually also note the location of the valve.

It is a good idea to check the shut-off valves periodically to ensure that they are in
proper working condition. Test all the valves at least 1-2 times in a year. Turn them
off and on to make sure that they don’t stick or break off while you’re handling
them. This will help to ensure that in case of a problem the water supply to your
home can be shut off efficiently and quickly.

If for some reason you are unable to shut off the valves in time during an emergency,
you can call Water Mold Fire Restoration, 800-905-0277, for assistance. Our
teamsof water damage specialists are standing by 24/7 and can help you in
restoring your home to the pre-loss condition quickly. Or if you prefer, you can
email us at help@watermoldfire.net.