Finding Your Water Shut-Offs To Prevent Flooding And Water Damage

9/10/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO technicians help customers locate their water shut off valves in their homes to prevent unexpected flooding.

Do you know where your water shut-offs are located in your home? If you can’t answer that off the top of your head then take time to locate those water shut offs in case there is ever a serious leak. A serious leak can easily cause major flood damage to your home’s interior. Learn how to find and turn off your home’s water shut off valves.

Finding The Main Water Shut-Off Valve

The main water shut-off valve is typically located on the perimeter of your home since that is where the water enters your house first. No need to check the central areas or the upstairs, the water usually enters the home either on the ground floor or the basement. Also, search for the valve on the street side because your water main starts at the street and then heads straight to your home.

When you find the valve it will typically be either a knife style or round handle valve. A knife style valve is a straight handle that runs parallel to the pipe. Turn the knife valve a quarter to turn the water off. Knife style valves only turn in one direction, a metal stop prevents the handle from turning in the opposite direction. A round handle valve is similar to a hose faucet. It must be turned several times counter-clockwise to fully shut off the water.

Finding The Plumbing Fixtures Shut-Off Valves

Toilet: This small valve is located below the toilet, against the wall. This shut off will either be a handle that you will turn clockwise to shut off or a push-pull valve, if you are in an apartment, to turn on and off the flow of water to the toilet.

Sink: These valves are located under the sink in the cabinet. There will be two sets of tubes and valves connected to the sink. These valves will also either be handles or push-pulls. Both handles will need to be turned clockwise to shut off the water to the sink.

Washing Machine: Behind the washing machine there should be two valves, one for hot water, and one for cold water. Turn both of the valves clockwise to shut the water off to the washing machine.

Having a serious leak in your home, and knowing how to stop the water from coming in can help prevent extensive water damage. If you experience unexpected water damage in your home, call SERVPRO of Northwest Columbus at (614) 261-6666, we are always here to help!