Turning the water off

A viral YouTube video from a few years ago highlighted a plumbing disaster. The footage showed a DIY enthusiast attempting to fix a minor leak under a bathroom sink, but he made a critical mistake: he didn’t turn off doing so would have required shutting down the entire apartment complex. Regrettably, the repair attempt did not go as planned. A powerful stream of hot water at 90 PSI unexpectedly gushed out from beneath the cabinet. Since the main water shut-off valve was inaccessible, a 14-minute video captures the frantic and unsuccessful efforts made to halt the flooding while the entire apartment was being inundated. A harrowing video of a plumbing disaster serves as a stark reminder of the crucial role that functional and easily accessible shut-off valves play in preventing catastrophic damage, and the need for homeowners to be familiar with their operation. We have produced a pair of instructional videos on turning off the water supply at both the home and the primary valve box. Although this is a helpful starting point, there are additional important questions that need to be addressed to ensure homeowners are fully prepared. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the key aspects of shut-off valve placement.   WHERE ARE THE SHUT-OFF VALVES LOCATED IN THE HOME? The position of shut-off valves in a home is influenced by both plumbing regulations and common construction methods in the specific area. In the North Dallas region, including cities such as Plano, McKinney, and Allen, where we operate, most homes were constructed between the mid-1970s and the early 2000s. While construction techniques have changed over this period, the placement of plumbing valves has generally stayed the same.   Where Is The Main House Valve Located? At a typical suburban home, there are usually two primary shut-off valves. One of these is situated at the city water meter, often found in a buried box near the street. Although this city valve is typically secured under a locked lid, it can still be reached and closed using readily available tools during an emergency. Water supply to the whole property will be turned off, which system and fire suppression system However, certain bigger properties may have a distinct meter for the irrigation system. According to plumbing regulations, a main shut-off valve must be located close to where the main water supply enters the house. This is intended for homeowners to use easily. When this valve is only the water to the house will be cut off, while the irrigation system and fire suppression system will remain unaffected.   Shutting Off The Water Infographic Typically in our region, the valve is situated in the front garden bed where the underground water supply pipe runs beneath the concrete foundation to the initial “manifold.” Alternatively, in more recent residences, the primary shut-off valve might be positioned behind a panel within the garage or a utility space, making turning the water off more accessible in emergencies. To regulate water pressure in regions with excessively high pressure, a specialized device known as a Pressure Reducing Valve (PRV) is typically installed in conjunction with the primary shut-off valve to ensure efficient control when turning the water off is necessary.   Familiarize yourself with the location of this valve, ensure it functions properly, and have everyone in the household practice turning off the water during a plumbing crisis to avoid potential damage to the property. The valve may be either a lever-handle ball valve or a round-handle gate valve (more information on these types will be provided later).   Where Is The Water Heater Valve Located? What/Where Are PEX Manifold Valves? Where Is The Toilet Water Supply Valve Located? Finding The Bathroom Sink Faucet Valves Where Are The Kitchen Faucet Valves? Where Is The Dishwasher Valve Located? Icemaker/Refrigerator Valve Location Clothes Washer Valve Location Do Outdoor Hose Faucets Have A Shut-Off Valve? Tub/Shower Valve Location WHAT TYPE OF SHUT-OFF VALVE DO YOU HAVE? The water heater valve’s location is unknown. Where can the PEX manifold valves be found? Where is the toilet water supply valve situated? Discovering the bathroom sink faucet valves. Where are the kitchen faucet valves? Where is the dishwasher valve positioned? Icemaker and refrigerator valve location. Clothes washer valve spot. Do outdoor hose faucets come with a shut-off valve? Tub and shower valve position. What kind of shut-off valve do you possess? Reviewing the various locations of shut-off valves demonstrates that there are several common valve designs in the standard residential property. They have distinct operations and vulnerabilities, underscoring the importance of distinguishing between them. We will discuss ball valves, gate valves, and various types of fixture shut-off valves “angle stops”. In various regions, plumbers use distinct terminology to describe components of a home’s plumbing system. However, in the North Texas region, the valves that control individual fixtures are commonly referred to as “angle stops” due to their characteristic 90-degree angle, which redirects water flow as it passes through the valve. Some designs deviate from this standard, allowing water to flow straight through, and are accordingly known as “straight stops”.   Problems With Full-Port Ball Valves In modern-port ball valves, which have become the go-to choice for main water shut-off valves and water heater valves, turning the water off is done by rotating the handle 90 degrees clockwise. This action shifts the internal ball to block the water supply, similar to their smaller counterparts used for individual fixtures. While generally dependable, these valves may encounter issues. If the valves are brass alloys with a significant zinc content, a form of corrosion known as ‘dezincification’ might develop. This can cause water to seep gradually through the brass material, leading to the formation of a crusty or powdery white deposit on the valve. Water may seep through the connection point between the handle of the valve and the internal ball compromised seal on the stem. If you observe water droplets emerging right beneath the handle, the issue could potentially be addressed by off the handle