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In a plumbing emergency, stopping the flow of water as quickly as possible is the best way to minimize damage to your flooring, drywall, and personal belongings.
Common Locations to Check
● The Interior Perimeter: Most shut-off valves are located on the perimeter wall of the house, usually on the side facing the street.
● Basements or Crawlspaces: Look near the front of the foundation. The valve is typically located within a few feet of where the main line enters the home.
● Utility Closets: In some builds, the main valve is located near the water heater or under the kitchen sink.
● The Water Meter Box: If it’s not inside, look for a concrete or plastic box near the curb. You may need a "meter key" tool (available at hardware stores) to open the lid and turn the valve.
Identifying Your Valve Type
● Gate Valve (Round Handle): This looks like a garden spigot. To shut the water off, turn the wheel clockwise (right) until it can no longer turn.
● Ball Valve (Lever Handle): This is a straight handle. To shut the water off, turn the lever 90 degrees so it is perpendicular to the pipe. When the handle is "across" the pipe, the water is off.
Helpful Maintenance Steps
● The "Clear Path" Rule: Avoid stacking boxes or storage in front of your shut-off valve. In an emergency, you don’t want to be moving heavy items to reach the handle.
● Tag the Valve: Consider hanging a bright tag or ribbon on the valve so that guests, house-sitters, or children can find it quickly in a crisis.
● Exercise the Valve: Once or twice a year, turn the valve off and on again. This may help prevent mineral buildup from "locking" the valve in place.
● Local Shut-offs: Remember that toilets and sinks have their own "stop valves" behind or under the fixture. If only one sink is leaking, you can turn the water off there instead of the whole house.
Important Note: If a valve feels stuck or is heavily rusted, do not force it, as this could cause the pipe to break. In these cases, it may be helpful to have a licensed plumber replace the valve to ensure it works when you need it.
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Safety Disclaimer: This document is provided solely for informational purposes to assist homeowners in identifying the location of their primary water shut-off valve. Should a valve exhibit signs of rust, corrosion, or resistance to turning, the application of excessive force is strictly advised against, as this may result in pipe failure. If the main water shut-off valve cannot be located or operated, it is recommended that a licensed plumber be contacted immediately. Apex Restoration shall not be held liable for any plumbing malfunctions or property damage that may arise during attempts to manipulate the home's water system.
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