Understanding the main components of your household’s plumbing system ensures you can respond promptly and appropriately whenever you have a problem. One of the most important components is your main water shut-off valve. We’ll help you learn what this valve does and assist you in discovering where it’s located in your home.
What Is a Water Shut-Off Valve?
Fresh water is piped inside via the city sewer line or your well. This main line will usually come in through one of your exterior basement walls or crawlspace and is typically three-quarters of an inch in size. Your main water shut-off valve will be located somewhere along this line.
This water shut-off valve controls the flow of water to your home. When the valve is in its “on” position, water will flow freely through your water lines and to your plumbing fixtures. When put in its “off” position, water will not flow. This is important when you’re working on your plumbing and need to stop the free flow of water.
How to Locate Your Water Shut-Off Valve?
Your main water shut-off valve can be located throughout your property. We’ll discuss some of the most common locations so that you can check your home. The actual shut-off valve is a ball valve with a handle that allows you to turn it on or off.
Interior Basement Wall
One of the most common places you’ll find the shut-off valve is your interior basement wall. You’ll want to start by checking the wall at the front of your house where the water line most likely comes in. If you locate the piping coming into your basement or crawlspace, simply follow the line until you find the valve.
Hot Water Heater
In newer homes built on slab foundations, the water shut-off valve may be located near the water heater. This is a convenient feature so your water can be easily distributed to your water heater. If your water heater is stuffed in a utility closet, then your water shut-off may be in your utility closet as well.
Garage
Another common location for a water shut-off valve for a home with a slab foundation is the garage. Since your garage is likely located near the front of your home, it is the perfect location where the shut-off valve can intersect the main water line. This shut-off valve should be prominently displayed near your door or along one of the walls of your garage.
Outside Pit
To prevent water lines from freezing and damaging your main shut-off valve, your property could have an outside pit. This is typically located along the front line of your property. This pit comprises a concrete pit with a locking lid. You may need a special meter key to open the lid and expose the water shut-off valve.
A Note on Isolated Shut-Off Valves
Plumbing fixtures throughout a home commonly have individual shut-off valves. These valves will stop the flow of water to the plumbing fixture. This still allows water to flow freely to all the other fixtures throughout your home. These shut-off valves can be extremely helpful when you’re focused on fixing a single plumbing fixture, as you don’t have to worry about losing access to water at other fixtures throughout your home in the process.
A Note on Using Your Main Water Shut-Off Valve
If you need to shut off the water supply to your home, you’ll want to keep a couple of things in mind. Be aware that some main water supplies require special keys. You can obtain a “meter key” at your local hardware store, or we can help. Once you turn the main water shut-off valve off, you’ll need to turn on the cold water at one of your faucets. This will help to alleviate the built-up pressure inside your piping. Remember to turn your water back on once the leak is repaired and the work is done.
Expert Water Shut-Off Service
Midstate Plumbing & Air offers emergency plumbing services to the entire Bridgeport, WV community. We can also help with any of your sewer, drain, water heater, gas line, repiping, slab leak, kitchen, and bathroom plumbing needs. Simply give our office a buzz today, and our friendly staff will assist you in scheduling a plumbing service appointment.
