Plumbing Emergencies
Caution:
Please read our safety
information before attempting any testing, maintenance
or repairs. Some equipment may rely on a cold water supply. Take
appropriate steps to shut down any equipment that may be adversely
affected by shutting off the water supply. Such equipment includes,
but is not limited to, a boiler or other heating system.
Everyone should take the time to find their main
water shut off valve. If a pipe bursts, an extra two minute delay
can result in 30 or more gallons of spilled water. That is roughly
the equivalent of a bathtub full of water. That much water, inside
your home can cause a lot of damage. Being able to find the shut
off valve and a wrench quickly can save you thousands of dollars
of damage.
Most homes which draw their water from a municipal
supply will have a water meter and shut off valve grouped together.
That water meter is often located near the street, in an under
ground access hatch. Lift the cover and you will find either a
handle, or a valve with a straight metal flange across the top.
The handle may be rotary, like a manual sprinkler valve or it
may be a paddle. Turn the rotary or paddle until it won't turn
any further. Valves that have a metal flange require a pipe wrench
to operate. This type of valve closes with just a quarter turn.
If a wrench is required, we recommend leaving a wrench near the
valve for emergency use.
Many homes have additional shut off valves that
can shut off localized sections of the water supply. For instance,
where the water main enters your house, you will often find a
hose bib and a shut off valve. In cold weather locations, the
shut off may be in the basement or inside the house, possibly
under the kitchen sink or under a closet floor. This valve will
typically shut off all water inside the house but may may leave
the outside plumbing unaffected (such as hose bibs, sprinklers,
accessory buildings). This valve is most often a rotary type.
We recommend that you open and close it once a year to help prevent
it from seizing in the open position.
Inside your home you will find more shut off
valves localized to the fixtures that use them. Some examples
include the water heater, sinks, dishwasher, washing machine and
toilets.
If you are unable to locate or unable to access
your main water shut off valve, contact your water company. Your
local water company will usually be very helpful and may even
send someone out to help you find the valve and show you how to
shut it off.
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