Know how to find and use your home’s water shut-off valve.

Water damage is no joke – it can destroy your house and make you sick from mold and knowing where the shut-off valve is and how to use it could save you when disaster strikes.

The valve is usually close to where the main water line comes into the house, like the basement or crawlspace by the water meter.  If you don’t have those, check the utility closet, garage, or near the hot water heater.

There are two kinds of valves:
1) Gate valves have a wheel handle that turns clockwise to shut off the water.  You’ll probably see these in older houses.
2) Ball valves have a lever that goes perpendicular to the pipe to shut off the water.  Newer houses are more likely to have these.

There can also be other shut-off valves farther down the line, like under sinks or behind toilets.  Knowing where those are can isolate leaks.

The point is, take a few minutes to locate and familiarize yourself with the water shut-offs in your house.  Some day it could really pay off!

The house usually has separate shut-off valves for things like toilets and sinks, not just the main one.  You’ll want to know where those are too in case there’s a problem in one spot.

To find the main valve look at where the pipes come into the house.  That’ll get you closer and ask a plumber or the old owner if you just can’t figure it out. Also, check around the outside of the house near the water meter box since the valve might be there.

Once you find the valve, make sure to check it every so often to make sure it works.  Turn it off and on a few times so it doesn’t get stuck, especially if you don’t use it a lot.

Knowing where the water shut-off is is a big deal for a homeowner.  It means you can take care of emergencies fast and avoid bad water damage and expensive repairs.  Take a second to find it and get familiar – it’s a little thing that can make a big difference down the road. If you are located in the Orlando, Florida area and are in need of dry-out and water mitigation services. Please call Hamilton Restoration at 689-222-7033