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While shutoff valves are typically found inside, you may sometimes find them mounted on your exterior wall. This is more common in places with warm climates, where having the pipes freeze is not a significant risk. The first step is going to be to locate the main water valve in your home. Many people are not aware of where their water comes into their home, which is where the valve is likely to be. In general, the main water valve will be on a larger (typically about ½’’) pipe.
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Start by locating the main shut-off valve on the main water line. The valve is often in the basement, close to where the main water line enters the home, although it may also be in a crawlspace or utility room. In the basement, the valve is typically positioned around eye level; in a main-floor utility area, it is installed closer to the floor.
How to Locate and Turn Off the Main Water Valve
Every month, millions of low-income Californians struggle to pay their water and utility bills. By following the recommended steps and taking necessary precautions, homeowners can ensure the safety and well-being of their property while enjoying a stress-free vacation. It’s also a good idea to inform a trusted neighbor or friend about your vacation plans. They can keep an eye on your property, collect mail, and perform routine checks to ensure everything is in order.
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They however have separate shut off valves and water supply houses from the sink faucets. To turn off water to a kitchen or bathroom sink, look for 2 (usually oval-shaped) valves on the wall under the sink with 2 flexible hoses connected to them. Turn them all the way clockwise to turn off the cold and hot water supply to the sink faucet.
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Often, waiting for a local plumber to make emergency repairs can take days, so shutting off the water is critical to avoiding water damage. Finding the shut-off valve for your shower or bathtub is a little more involved than most other appliances. Look around the shower for an access panel, potentially located on the other side of the wall from the shower. If there isn’t an access panel, then the valve may be under the floor in the basement or a ceiling access panel in the floor underneath. Shower bodies may also have built-in valve stops, and you can find them if you remove the escutcheon plate (the plate over the faucet). These are required in all high-rise buildings but are contractor-dependent in other buildings.
Finally, when you return from vacation and want to turn the water back on, it’s recommended to do so gradually. Open the main water valve slowly to allow the water to flow back into the plumbing system without causing any sudden water hammer effects. Sudden pressure changes can potentially damage pipes or fixtures, so a gradual restoration of the water supply is advised.
In some situations, this means finding the water valve for the specific faucet or pipe you’re having trouble with and shutting it off. For other things, however, you will want to turn off the water throughout the house. By preventing the water from flowing, you can fix broken pipes or just perform normal plumbing without the risk of flooding your home. Another reason you might want to shut off the water to your home is if you are adding or replacing plumbing or appliances.
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Leaving your water flowing when the hot water heater gives out can lead to massive flooding. If you simply cannot find the shut-off, you can often shut off the water to your home at the water meter. You’ll need to contact your municipality to ensure it’s legal to shut this valve off, as there are some places where it’s still not allowed except in an extreme emergency. Your utility provider can also help you determine if there’s a separate valve meant for homeowners or if a special tool is needed. In either case, it’s important to know how to turn off your home’s water supply long before you actually need to do it.
A water leak can mean excess water usage, higher bills, and possible damage if left unchecked. After you determine where the leak is you’ll need to find the shutoff. Also, if you have to use the shut-off at the water meter, this sometimes requires a plumber. But, the good news is that since the plumber is already out, you can have them install a much more convenient and easy-to-use shut-off valve for the future. A frost-proof faucet stops the water far inside the warm house to prevent freezing. If the handle on your faucet is level with the pipe, it’s a frost-proof model.
When you turn the water back on, keep the faucet open to give air trapped in the pipes a place to escape. Let the water run for about 5 to 10 minutes, then close the faucet. We’ve all been through this drill so many times, some of the obvious water-saving steps have become almost second nature. But as you go about trimming your water usage at home, experts warn that nips and tucks alone can’t get us out of the multiyear drought we’re in. It may seem obvious, but so many people still forget to turn off the water while brushing their teeth.
"Turning off the tap while brushing your teeth can save 8 gallons of water per day," says Saare-Edwards. "Assuming you brush your teeth twice daily, you could save nearly 2,920 gallons per year." That’s just for one person– imagine the impact a family of four could make implementing this easy practice. It is generally not advised to turn off the water to your toilet for an extended period of time, unless there is a specific issue with the plumbing system. This is because toilets require a constant supply of water for proper functioning and sanitation purposes.
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