We’ve received a few panicked phone calls where a pipe has burst, the washing machine is flooding, or a hose bib broke off. When these things happen, you can experience serious water damage if you don’t get the water turned off immediately. So before you find yourself in one of these emergency situations, why not take a few minutes to educate yourself on where the shutoff valves are in your home?
The main shutoff valve is the most important because it controls the water to your entire home. Once it’s turned off, all drips/leaks/and floods in your home will come to a stop. If your home is on well water, the shut off will most likely be on the house side of the pressure tank. If you have city water, you’ll probably be able to find it on the same side of your house where the water meter is located.
The water heater has a shutoff valve which can be turned off when the unit itself starts leaking to avoid any electrical damage.
The toilet inline shutoff valve is located behind the toilet bowl which can be of use when the toilet is leaking/running.
Underneath sinks, you will find shut off valves for both the hot and cold water. Generally, the right shutoff controls the cold water and the left shutoff controls the hot water.
The dishwasher shutoff is usually found underneath the kitchen sink.
Washing machines have the same type of shutoffs as the sink. The water lines there connect to the washing machine hoses.
Checking these valves on a regular basis is very important and could save your home from extensive water damage. If you found that any of them are “frozen” (stuck) or corroded, give Aztec Plumbing & Drains a call! We would be happy to help!