When and How to Shut off Your Water?

Have you been in plumbing emergencies where you stand and watch the water go waste and wonder how to turn off the water supply until the plumber arrives for help? Some situations require stopping the water for a particular fixture or faucet, while for others, you have to shut off the water supply to the whole house. Regardless of the circumstances, homeowners and other family members need to know how and when to halt the water supply. It will help minimize damage and save gallons of water.

REASONS TO SHUT OFF THE WATER SUPPLY

Here are some of the situations that may demand shutting off the water supply:

PLUMBING EMERGENCIES

The prime reason to cut the home's water supply is plumbing emergencies like a pipe burst, continually running toilet, frozen pipes, sewer drain backup, leaks, and overflowing water. After shutting off the water supply, call a plumber to fix the issue. 

REMODELING 

If some renovation or plumbing maintenance project is going on in the house involving the replacement of fixtures or pipe changes, it will require shutting off the water supply. While working on a specific appliance will require closing the valve of that particular appliance only, for renovations in a large area, shut off the main valve.

HOW TO TURN OFF THE WATER SUPPLY?

There are different valves in the house that control the water supply, and which valve needs to be closed depends on the problem at hand.

TURN OFF THE MAIN SHUT-OFF VALVE

When looking to stop the whole house's water supply, find a red circular valve made of brass or handle for a ball valve (in newer homes). Usually, it is located near the main water pipe. Look for it in the basement, next to the water heater, or a utility room. It may also be at the incoming line by the front or side yard water spigot. To close the valve, turn it clockwise to shut off the water supply to the entire house. To flush the remaining water in the pipes, open the sink or bath faucets. After the repairs, turn it counterclockwise to reinstate the supply.

A plumber can be of help if you are unsure of the position of this valve. 

STOP WATER TO A FIXTURE OR APPLIANCE

It will be inconvenient to cut off the water supply to the whole house for a problem specific to an appliance or water fixture. Generally, most of them have an individual knob valve or a lever located underneath. Turning the valve or lever clockwise will stop the water from that fixture only. It is convenient as you can perform the repairs, and there will be running water in the other faucets to carry on with the household activities. For fixtures with two valves (hot or cold), like the heater or washing machine, turn off both of them. 

There is another valve located in the ground beside the water meter protected by a concrete box. It aids in shutting off the supply to the whole property, including outdoor sprinklers and hose faucets. This valve should either be completely closed or fully open.

All valves in the home, including the main and valves to each appliance, should be exercised periodically to ensure their continued function. 

Once you have shut off the water as per requirement, hire a professional plumbing company for repair or replacement.

Evenflow Home and Commercial Services offer residential and commercial electrical, plumbing, and HVAC services in San Antonio, Schertz, Converse, Floresville, Elmendorf, and surrounding cities. Call us at 210-941-3503 today!