How to Turn Off Your Water in 4 Easy Steps
A leaking water pipe, if not closed off quickly can be a serious problem at home or in your office. Knowing where the control valves are in a building and which one to turn off can be the difference between changing a leaking pipe and changing a whole more than that.
Depending on the way a structure was built, various control valves can be found in different spots in and around the building. As a general rule, every water supply point is fitted with a control valve for easy maintenance, but the occasional pipe leak (or leaks) may require shutting off a whole floor to trace. It is important to know where the major valves are located, and where the main supply valve is.
Find the Main Valve
The main valve that supplies water may be in your basement; on a wall outside the house or in a sunken pipe in the ground somewhere around the premises. Alternatively, you may find it next to the water meter at your house. Wherever it may be, finding it is important.
We recommend locating where your house/office main valve is before you have an emergency on your hands. You can also be prepared with the right tools just in case your valve is one of the older models. Water leakages are such that you may find water in another area different from where the leaking pipe may be located. You can always cut supply to the house and begin tracing before your house or office gets flooded, and you incur thousands of dollars in damages.
Carry the Right Tools
To close an older model valve, be sure to carry your pipe wrench along. Some other valves require a different tool, so be prepared. This is another reason why we recommend knowing where your main water supply valve is ahead of time.
Closing the water supply
Valves seldom get turned barring unforeseen circumstances, especially major valves. It is important to apply minimal force when turning any valve. A broken valve will compound the problem that needs to be solved. Where your valve requires a half turn, do so gently so as not to break the lever. Although shut-off valves come with a stop to avoid breaking them, excessive force can damage them. Lever valves are open when the lever is aligned with the pipe, but a simple 90-degree turn is enough to shut the water off.
Confirm That the Water Has Stopped Running
Sometimes the main valve has stopped working and we do not realize it. Always make sure that the water is turned off completely. Usually, when the valve is closed, the remaining water in the pipes continues to run until the last drop. Always turn off your water heater even when fixing the cold water pipe to prevent you or your plumber getting burnt while working and protect your heater from getting spoilt.
One reason why this is done is that there have been occasions where the water appeared to stop but continued to flow because of a leakage in the valve stop.
Having issues with your water and need a professional plumbers help? Call us at 02 9158 6549 and we will quickly sort out your problem.