If you know where your shut-off valve is located, you’ll be better prepared for any water emergency. Minimize the problem by stopping water leaks at the source!
The old adage to “Be Prepared,” isn’t just for the great outdoors! Homeowners need to be prepared for a variety of concerns indoors, too. Your home is your haven, so when a water problem hits, you need to act fast. Knowing where you water shut-off valve is located ahead of time can save you some big repair costs and keep the situation under control until your plumbing experts arrive.
Water, Water Everywhere?
It helps to be aware of some of the most common types of plumbing problems. Anywhere you use water could be a potential source for leaks and damage to your walls, flooring, or lower-level ceilings. Overflowing toilets can be especially tricky because you might leave the bathroom without knowing anything is wrong! Then when you come back—there’s water all over the floor.
Your home’s water heater can also spring leaks. If you aren’t able to access your water heater’s shut-off valve, you’ll need to address the problem at the source: your home’s main water valve. Because these types of issues can escalate quickly, it’s important to find your shut-off valves long before any water emergencies occur.
Your Home’s Shut-Off Valve
When a pipe bursts in your home, you need to be the first line of defense. Before you even pick up the phone to call your local plumbing company, it’s best to go to your main water valve and turn it off. This holds true if you can’t reach the shut-off valve for your washing machine or other leaky appliances.
Your home’s main shut-off valve is responsible for managing all of the water that comes into your home. So, if you’re experiencing any major water overflows, leaks, or other plumbing problems—go to your shut-off valve first.
Typically, the valve will be located right next to your home’s water meter. But the water meter itself can be in a number of different places. Most meters are attached to the side of the house, but others can be hidden underground. That’s why it’s helpful to take a look and identify your shut-off valve’s location in advance, when your plumbing and pipes are working just fine. Of course, if you can’t find your shut-off valve on your own, please don’t hesitate to give Fite Plumbing a call at (317)-271-5400.
Once you identify the shut-off valve, you’ll want to make sure you have the tools you’ll need to actually turn the valve. (Assuming your valve can’t be turned by hand.) You may need a pipe wrench or a special wrench for plumbing that’s known as a “water key.” Picking one up at your area’s hardware store will help keep you prepared.
Shut Off the Water, then Call Fite Plumbing
Managing a water crisis isn’t fun for anyone. But having a solid plan in place makes it easier to contain the problem. Even if you can’t turn off the water at a single point in your home (like a sink or the laundry machine), or a leaky pipe is causing problems out-of-reach, you can still act. Your shut-off valve will make a big difference.
Shut off the water to prevent additional damage or problems, then call the team at Fite Plumbing. We understand that plumbing emergencies can’t wait. That’s why we offer 24/7 service to customers throughout Central Indiana. Give us a call at (317) 271-5400 to get a Fite Plumbing tech out to your home.
