There are times when the only way to stop water from a plumbing leak is to go right to the whole house water main shut off valve and close it. While this is simple to do, most people have no idea where their whole house shut off is located, nor have they ever tested to see if it works. (The valve rarely get used, so it becomes stuck in the open position)
At Plumbing Professors we feel any adult, or teenager you trust should know where the whole house water shut off is. They should also know how to use that “shut off” to turn off all the incoming water to the house in the event of a plumbing emergency.
Follow these tips TODAY so you know your shut off will work when you need it:
1. Learn where the whole house water main shut off valve is located!! (DO THAT TODAY) Normally you will find the shut off valve where your water service enters your home, typically right next to the water meter.
2. Be sure the shut off valve is working. If it seems stuck, be careful, you may need a plumber to get it working again, DO NOT FORCE it!! If it breaks and springs a leak there is no way to turn off the water without help from the city.
3. Label the shut off valve with one of our Free Valve Tag. (Now anyone who can read knows what that valve is for)
4. Show & teach everyone in the house where the shut off valve is located, and how and when to use it. (Tell teenagers it’s not a toy)
The whole house shut off is like a fire extinguisher, you hope you never need it, but if you do it has to be in working order. Get a Free Valve Tag here.
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