How to Find a Water Shut-off Valve Outside
Why Do You Need to Shut-off the Main Water Valve?
The pressure that keeps home faucets and appliances running does not stop when there’s a water line break. This means the water will continue to flow until the valve is shut off. A typical water pipe can carry 10 to15 gallons per minute, which is enough water to run a full cycle of laundry in the washing machine. Now, picture that amount of water soaking into your carpet and walls every minute. Not a pretty sight!
In a panic-stricken state with water flowing around you, it’s unlikely you will want to stop and take the time to figure out where the valve is. Identifying it now will provide you with peace of mind and a swift action plan if the worst happens.
Finding the Water Shut-off Valve
Where is my main water valve? Your home has shut-off valves for individual appliances as well as one inside the perimeter of your home. If you aren’t sure where it’s located inside, or the problem is related to the mainline instead of an appliance, you will save time by going directly to the outside shut-off valve.
If you have municipal water service, here’s how to find your outside water shut-off valve:
Look for a rectangular or round cover that will be near the edge of your property, often between the curb and the sidewalk. Some water main valves are located along an alley, rather than the street. The cover may be metal or plastic, and it might say “water meter†to help with identification.
Open the cover to the meter to find the water shut-off valve.
If you have a private well, there may be a shut-off valve on or near your pressure tank.
In either case, you can also typically find a shut-off valve in a utility space of the house where the water line enters the home. Some homes with municipal water service may have a shut-off valve on an exterior wall near the water meter.
If you’re struggling with finding the water shut-off valve, you can check your home's property inspection report that you received when you purchased your home. Check the plumbing section of the report, which will identify the location of the valve along with a photo to guide you in the search.
How to Shut Off the Water Valve
To shut off an outside main water valve, you may need a couple of tools:
If a security bolt is holding the cover down, you will need a socket wrench to remove the security bolt. Or, you may need to contact the municipal water supply provider to unlock the cover.
You may need to pry the cover off with a screwdriver.
For many water main valves, a water meter key is the ideal tool for adjusting the valve.
If you don’t have a water meter key, channel locks will work.
Once you have removed the cover, look inside the compartment to find the residential water supply shut-off valve, which will be the one located closest to your house. To turn off the valve, you can use a meter key or twist the valve closed with pliers. To stop the water flow to your home, turn the shut-off valve clockwise.
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In an emergency, you can reduce the water circulation using the valves. The cutting of the water circulation stops substantial water damages from taking place.
Why Must I Stress over This?
In everyday life, you don't have to stress concerning water flow. If you have water problems, it's great to know where the water vales are. You can close off the water circulation when you located the water shutoff beneath the sink.
Recognizing exactly how to do shut off water shutoffs is important in an emergency. The longer you wait to close the shut-off valve, the more extensive the damages will take place plus the expenses. You may additionally not have enough time to identify exactly how to shut the valves correctly when you're stressing in an emergency occasion. Learning it now is the most effective thing so you can remain calm under pressure.
What Does the Shut-Off Valve Resemble?
The shut-off shutoff appears like a handle that permits you to shut off the water for a specific home appliance, a local location (for instance, the entire second flooring), or for the whole home. Recognizing where these valves are necessary particularly in case of water damage or water emergency concerns. You can have control over an unexpected occasion using your understanding of the shut-off valves' location.
This action will aid you avoid considerable water damages that will certainly set you back thousands to repair.
Where are These Shutoffs Situated?
It may be challenging to find them, specifically if your property is big. Your finest wager is to call a water restoration services business for assistance if you do not understand where the shutoffs are situated. If you own have a relatively moderate-sized house, attempt searching for a handle or bar within the location of the pipes. The valves are typically situated in the adhering to areas:
If you acquired a residence assessment report from the previous proprietor, it ought to be indicated in those papers. Generally, builders install the valves near or within Explore Now the primary or ground-floor restrooms.
When to Call a Specialist?
If there is a major water occurrence in your house, always consider leading to turn off the main water line as well as cutting the resource of water in your entire home. Call your plumber to evaluate the issue, ask for their recommendations, and shut down the valve because area just so you can use the remainder of the plumbing in other locations of your house.
Your home can be swamped by natural water from tornados or rains but your internal water can trigger the very same damage from your plumbing. In the event of a plumbing emergency, closed down these shutoffs to prevent issues that call a reputable water damage repair provider.
The cutting of the water flow stops comprehensive water damages from taking place.
If you have water problems, it's great to know where the water vales are. You can shut off the water circulation when you situated the water shutoff beneath the sink. Understanding where these valves are vital specifically in the occasion of water damages or water emergency issues. Your house can be flooded by natural water from tornados or rainfalls yet your internal water can cause the exact same damage from your plumbing.
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