If you have a plumbing problem, it’s better to call a professional plumber right away rather than try to fix it on your own. There are a few things every homeowner should know about their home’s plumbing system. Here are three of the most crucial plumbing facts to be familiar with.
How to Find and Turn Off the Main Water Valve in the House
It’s generally good to know this prior to it turning into a drastic emergency. If you own your home, find your home’s inspection report. This report will clearly note the location of the main water valve inside the house. Next, make sure to write down the location and post it on your home’s refrigerator door or in some other handy location. It is suggested that you make sure everyone in the house knows where this valve is located and how to turn it off.
If you’re standing in water and desperate to find the valve, look around the perimeter of your home. Most of the time, it usually is at ground level. If you really don’t know where it is, you will probably need to turn off the main water valve outside the house, which is a bit harder than turning the interior water valve.
If you are in the midst of a plumbing emergency, most experienced local Long Beach Plumbers will recommend you turn off the home’s main water valve by turning the valve clockwise. Now depending on the type of valve you have, you will need to turn the valve more or less. Just keep turning until the water stops flowing while you wait for your plumber to get there.
How to Find and Turn Off the Main Water Valve Outside the House
If you can’t find or turn off the main water valve inside your house or if the leak is outside your home, you will have to find a way to turn off the home’s exterior water valve. To get to this valve, seek out a round, square or rectangular lid in your yard. Next, remove the lid and then carefully remove any dirt or sand inside.
The valve you need to turn will be on the house side of your water meter, and you will most likely need a wrench or some type of tool to turn it. Long Beach Plumbers recommend you turn the valve clockwise to shut off the water. This is another valve that it would be good to find prior to going into an emergency scenario.
How to Shut Off Water Close to the Source
Fortunately for you, you do not have to shut your entire home’s water supply off if you have a leak or some other minor problem. You can find water valves close to your home’s sinks, toilets, bathtubs and even in the laundry room. Typically, these valves will stop the water supply to specific areas so that they can be repaired or replaced.
The toilet valve is generally behind the toilet, sinks valves are usually behind the sink or in a cupboard and laundry room and bathtub valves are usually in highly visible locations. Long Beach Plumbers suggest you turn the knob to the appropriate device clockwise to shut off the water supply.
When you know the key plumbing facts, you’ll be better prepared to deal with any problems that come up. However, sometimes you simply need a professional.