Broken pipes and other plumbing emergencies can be a real handful for homeowners who do not know how to handle them. When a plumbing disaster does strike, knowing where the cut off valve can really help lesson the damage that can happen. Here are a few examples of situations when a cut off valve is important, and where you can usually find the cut off valve at.
Your home usually has one main cut off valve switch. This is the switch that professional plumbers use when working on certain pipes in your home. Usually this valve is near the water meter or your water’s pressure tank.
Sometimes, especially in cold climates, the valve is inside where it will not freeze, such as in your basement. If you are having a hard time locating the main cut off valve you can ask your professional plumber for assistance. They know the general location of main valves in your climate.
There should also be an easy to access valve inside your home. Many sinks have cut off valves directly underneath them. Look in the cabinet underneath the sink for the valve.
Toilets are notorious for plumbing issues. They have a shut off valve, usually at the back of the toilet, to stop water flow. Turning off the valve will stop the water flowing in to the toilet, and stop it from overflowing on to your floor if your toilet is clogged.
Washing machines have a cut off valve near them as well. Sometimes washing machines can get plugged up drains which can cause a lot of water damage to your home when water starts to overflow from it. The cut off valve is usually located behind the washing machine.
Irrigation systems should also have cut off valves. During the winter time in cold climates it is important to drain water from the pipes to prevent them from expanding and bursting. If you have an irrigation system water cut off valves are usually inside where they cannot be frozen over.
Water can quickly ruin items, so it is important to know where you cut off valve is located. Many plumbing emergencies, such as a clogged toilet, can be fixed by you – but can be impacted if you do not turn off the water supply. Professional plumbers should be called if there are serious plumbing emergencies.
