The emergency shutoff valve is there for a reason
If we ask you about where the main water shutoff valve is located in your house or office, would you know the answer? We bet, not many of you would know where the emergency water shutoff valve is. Normally, people don’t bother to find out about it unless they have had flooding on their property.
An emergency shutoff valve is a small device with a watertight seal. It is what you will use to shut off the water supply to your property in the event of an emergency. It is essential that you know exactly where it is located. You can take care of any water emergency promptly. It must be noted that there are several smaller valves in your home that can shut off the water supply to specific taps or other appliances. The emergency water shutoff valve is quite a bit larger than those.
Purpose of emergency shutoff valve
Each day, 14,000 Americans experience water damage at their home or work. It has also been shown that 98% of basements in the US will experience some type of water damage during their lifespan. Moreover, 37% of US homeowners claim to have suffered losses from water damage.
An emergency water shutoff valve allows you to shut off the water supply to your home, and hence, prevent water damage to a great extent. You may need to do use this valve in the following situations:
- In case of a plumbing emergency such as a burst pipe
- When toilets or taps in your home are being repaired
- When repairing leaks
- When upgrading components of the water system in your home
- When you are going to be away from your home for a long time (it is safer to shut off this valve to prevent any water damage emergencies
Where is the emergency water shutoff valve normally located in homes?
In most homes, the emergency water shutoff valve is located in either of the following places:
- On a perimeter wall of your property
- The ceiling
- Near water heater
- In a straight line from your water meter
- Behind access panel
- On the front wall of the crawlspace or basement
- Front of the property in the lowest level/basement or at basement ceiling height in the center of the unit
Apart from the main emergency water shut-off valve, you will also find individual water shutoff valves for different water-using appliances and fixtures in your home. Look around the sink, water heater, boiler, and other appliances, you will find smaller water shut-off valves near them.
Ensure that the emergency water shutoff valve is working properly
Emergency water shutoff valves may also develop problems. The valve may become leaky, or it may get stuck when it has not been used for a long time. If your shutoff valve is leaking, you may try to repair it yourself by gently tightening the packing nut with a wrench and opening and closing the valve several times. If it does not work, call your plumber right away. For a stuck valve, you can try using a lubricant such as WD-40.
Keep your emergency water shutoff valve in good shape to protect your home or office against water damage. If your emergency water shutoff valve has developed problems, call our plumbing experts now. They will inspect your water system and replace any damaged components.
