When a plumbing emergency like a broken water line or overflowing toilet happens, it’s important to know how to shut off the water quickly to prevent further damage to your home. Everyone who lives in your home should know how to locate the main shutoff valve for the house, as well as the individual valves for all of the appliances and faucets and where they’re located. The main water shutoff valve is usually located near the point that the water supply line enters the home. Some homes do not have a main water shutoff valve. If your home is one of these, ask your plumber to install a shutoff valve.
If you ever need to turn off a particular fixture, look for the shutoff valve and turn it clockwise. This will shut off the water, but only for that individual appliance. The valve is usually located underneath or behind a fixture at the point where the water supply connects to it through a pipe or pipes. Make sure to check that the shutoff valve isn’t defective and needs replacing. Some shutoff valves are not used for years and become stuck or start leaking when they are turned. If so, contact your local plumber and have the shutoff valve replaced.
If the problem is not with a particular fixture or appliance, you may still be experiencing other issues that needed addressed. If your sinks are stopped up or clogged, make sure to shut off the faucet or anything draining into the sink. Avoid using any chemical cleaners if you suspect the entire pipe is clogged – instead, use a plunger or snake to remove the blockage.
