Encyclopedia

of Home Improvements

*Water Shutoffs*

Water damage is a common claim on your homeowners policy. Burst pipes and leaking valves should be a major concern of all homeowners.

When water leaks happen, stop the deluge by cutting off the water at its source. Take a moment to locate all of the shutoff valves in your home so you'll be prepared for an emergency.

Water main shut off valve

You will usually find your main water shutoff tucked away in a corner of the basement down low near the floor. I suggest you clearly mark this valve so that in case of an emergency anyone can find it and turn it off. Since these valves are rarely used, it should be inspected frequently to make sure it works properly. If it becomes corroded and difficult to shut off , change it out with a new single lever ballcock valve.

For a home served by a well, the shutoff will be on the house side of the pressure tank. You should also cut power to the tank so it doesn't detect a phantom pressure loss and burn out trying to compensate.

As a last line of defense your house may have a meter pit outside from the water company. There should be an additional shut off valve here that the water company would use to shut your water off if you don't pay your bill.

Whole-house hot-water shutoff.

On your water heater there should be a valve on the hot-water outlet, which controls all of the hot water to the house. If there isn't one on yours, you or your plumber should install one.




Toilet shutoff

Look for this shutoff to the right or left of the base of the toilet.

Sink shutoffs

These inline shutoffs usually sit just beneath the sink or within the cabinet or vanity. The one on the left is usually for the hot water, the one on the right for cold water.




Ice maker shutoff

The ice maker is usually hooked up to the nearest cold water pipe either in a kitchen wall or in the basement below.




Dishwasher shutoff

Often there's a reducer coupling and shutoff valve leading to the dishwasher on the 1/2-inch hot-water sink-supply line. If it is not there check your basement just below the dishwasher.

Clothes washer.

There should be valves where the house-supply lines meet the washer hoses. Washer hoses are notoriously weak. If you haven't done so yet, change out the rubber hoses for new steel braided hoses.

When the washer is not being used always turn off the valve.

Automatic shut off sensors

Technology is a wonderful thing. Many companies are now offering systems that sense a water problem and automatically turn off your valve.

There are systems that hook up to each individual valve or the main water shutoff valve. Sensors are placed near the valve and will command the ball cock valve to close when water is detected.

For less money there are water alarms that detect water problems that may suit your needs and budget.

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