| Most homeowners do not take the time to learn | | | | to shut off the water in an emergency. The other |
| about their plumbing system. Usually as long as the | | | | area where you can find a shut-off valve is on the |
| system is functioning properly, they figure that there | | | | wall next to the water heater or in the basement. It |
| is nothing to be concerned about. However, there | | | | will be a valve. A shut-off valve handle can look like a |
| are certain components of the plumbing system, | | | | wagon wheel or lever. In some instances, you may |
| every homeowner should be aware of in the event | | | | need a wrench to close the valve lever. |
| there is an emergency such as a burst pipe or the | | | | There are a number of other places where you can |
| system becomes backed up. One important plumbing | | | | find shut-off valves. Newer homes will have shut off |
| component homeowners should know about is the | | | | valves located at each plumbing fixture such as at |
| Emergency Shutoff Valves. | | | | the sinks and bathtubs. If you have an older home, |
| Every homeowner should know the location of the | | | | you will likely not have all of the necessary shut-off |
| emergency shutoff valve and how to use it. For | | | | valves at each fixture. You should take special care if |
| instance, if a plumbing pipe suddenly burst and water | | | | you have appliances such as a washer or dishwasher. |
| started to flood the home, a homeowner will be able | | | | When these appliances are not in use, you should |
| to quickly close the emergency shutoff valve to stop | | | | turn the shut-off valves off in case a supply hose |
| the flooding and prevent further damage. The | | | | bursts. |
| quickest way to shutting off the water flow to the | | | | A serious water leak in a home can result in |
| home is to shut the emergency shutoff valve. If you | | | | considerable damage and financial loss. For that |
| are receiving your water from the municipal water | | | | reason, it is important to know the location of the |
| supply, you will normally find the emergency valve at | | | | emergency shut-off valve. If you do not have |
| the water supply meter. If you get your water | | | | shut-off valves installed at your fixtures, you should |
| supply from a private well, you will find the | | | | consider hiring a plumber to install the valves. |
| emergency shut-off valve at the pressure tank. | | | | Properly maintaining the systems in our homes is an |
| Single family homes will normally have two places | | | | essential part of homeownership. Damage to |
| where a homeowner can shut off the water coming | | | | furniture, floors, carpets, and other items can be |
| into the home. As mentioned, one place is at the | | | | very expensive. It is well worth taking the time to |
| water meter. You should look inside the meter box | | | | know where the important parts of a plumbing |
| to locate the valve handle. You will know that you | | | | system are to prevent unnecessary financial hardship |
| have found the emergency shut-off valve, if you are | | | | and possibly the loss of important valuables such as |
| able to see a valve handle. You will then know how | | | | priceless family heirlooms. |