Information Homeowners Should Know

GET FAMILIAR WITH YOUR WATER SHUTOFF VALVE

Does everyone in your home know where the shutoff valve is to your main water supply? You should. The difference in knowing where it is and how to use it could save you.

If you have a broken pipe, leaky toilet or faulty water hose line it could continuously pour water until the main water supply line is shut off. It could cost you thousands of dollars in water damage if you don't know where the shutoff valve is or how to use it.

In some houses that receive city water there is an easily accessible valve where the main water pipe enters the building. Every home is built differently and all homes are built suitable to their climate. Some have basements while others do not. Your supply line is most likely located in your basement but may be elsewhere.The time to locate it is before an emergency occurs.

Once you have located your shutoff valve you can turn the valve off to stop the water flow by turning it to the right if you have a valve that looks similar to a round gear. Righty tighty lefty loosey. If you have a valve that looks like a thin handle turn the handle so that it is sticking out from the pipe. The valve remains open if it is inline with the pipe as shown in the picture below. 

However, not all houses have this valve. If this is the case, you will need to find the water meter valve located underground near where the water main that runs by your house. It is typically located under a heavy iron cover close to the curb. Some of these covers can be accessed if you have the right tools though many have special bolts to prevent people from tampering with them. If you are not able to access this cover contact your village or your local police station immediately.

If you live in a rural location then you receive your water from a well. To turn off your water supply simply shut off the switch or circuit breaker to the well pump.

If you have not had your shutoff valve checked in some time you should have a plumber look at it to make sure it is in proper working order.