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How to Shut Off Your Water Supply in an Emergency

  • Blog
  • 02 - 10 - 2024
  • By Jude Saad

The main water shut-off valve is integral to a house’s plumbing infrastructure. It’s the central point where it ceases water flow to the entire household. 

Generally, it’s placed adjacent to the water meter, where the chief water supply enters your home and property. In case of an emergency, such as burst pipes or major leaks, being able to locate and turn off the main water shut-off valve is your first step to minimise, if not prevent, water damage and costly repairs.

With its step-by-step instructions, this article will help you locate and turn off the water supply to prevent further serious water damage. It will also guide you on how to shut off the water supply in an emergency.

Why Shutting Off the Water Supply is Important

As a homeowner, emergencies happen when you least expect them, especially regarding your plumbing system. Knowing why you must shut off the main water supply is crucial, as it will minimise water damage in your home and property.

Preventing Water Damage

Shutting off water in a plumbing emergency can prevent significant water damage. Your prompt action will also save you considerable repair costs and protect your belongings.

Shutting down the water supply allows you to work on the pipes without worrying about water flowing through them. You can also prevent water damage by shutting off the water system if you won’t be home for several days.

Safety Considerations

Shutting off the water supply during emergencies, such as major leaks, burst pipes, or plumbing system malfunctions, is paramount. This will help prevent electrocution and injuries.

Contact Link Plumbing immediately, and our fast and efficient emergency plumbers fix your home or property’s burst pipes or leaks. Call us today at 0412 056 027. We are glad to help at any time of the day or night.

How to Locate Your Main Water Shut-Off Valve

Every household member and renter must find the main water shut-off valve. Locating it is essential in preventing further damage and potential injuries.

Common Locations

The main water shut-off valve is commonly found in the:

  • Garage (wall or door)
  • Basement (wherever water enters the basement)
  • Crawlspace (under)
  • Exterior wall (close to the main faucet)
  • Outside, beside the water meter

However, the water shut-off valve is near the water heater or under the kitchen sink for homes without a basement. If you still can’t locate it, check your home inspection report (if available), as it contains specific information regarding plumbing locations.

How to Identify the Valve

The main water shutoff valve shuts down the water entering the house. It looks like a small pipe with a knob or handle attached to it. It could either have a ball valve or a gate valve.

Source: Envato

A ball valve has a straight handle, which is horizontal to the pipe when open and can be rotated to 90°. The valve is open when the lever is parallel to the water line and closed when it’s straight.

Source: Envato

The gate valve, on the other hand, features a windable round knob to regulate water flow. It turns the handle counterclockwise to open the valve and clockwise to close it. 

How to Shut Off the Water Supply Step-by-Step

These step-by-step instructions will help you efficiently and safely turn off your water supply and handle likely plumbing emergencies with ease.

1. Turn Off Individual Fixture Valves (If Possible)

You can shut down its valve for minor leaks or if only one fixture causes the problem. You can still use water without shutting down the entire water system.

2. Locate and Shut Off the Main Water Valve

After locating the main water valve, shut it off quickly. Check the images above to identify what valve you may have. 

If it’s a ball valve, give the knob a quarter counterclockwise turn, ensuring that it’s right angle to the pipe. The valve is shut when the lever is vertical to the pipe.

 

If it’s a gate valve, turn it counterclockwise to shut off the main valve to prevent water from entering your home. When the issue has been fixed, open it again by turning the knob clockwise. 

3. Drain Water from Pipes

Open faucets and flush toilets to discharge any remaining water in pipes after shutting off the main valve. Draining leftover water reduces the risks of burst pipes, particularly in freezing conditions. 

It also prevents water pressure issues and damage, the most common reasons for insurance claims. Besides, you cannot repair what needs to be fixed if water is dripping from the faucet or pipe.

When to Call a Professional Plumber Identifying When DIY is Not Enough

You did your best, but you need to let the professionals handle the plumbing issues. Signs that you need to call an emergency plumber include recurring clogs, gurgling sounds, prolonged low water pressure in multiple fixtures, and more. 

Identifying these indicators immediately helps prevent further extreme plumbing issues from emerging in a timely intrusion.

How Link Plumbing Can Help

Link Plumbing is the one-stop service for all your emergency plumbing problems. Our combined 35 years of experience make us one of Sydney’s leading and most sought-after plumbing services.

Our certified and experienced plumbers go above and beyond to fix:

  • Major leaks
  • Burst pipes
  • Sewer line problems
  • Low water pressure
  • Water heater repairs and replacements and more

We provide honest fixed pricing and provide same-day service quickly and efficiently. 

Regular Maintenance to Prevent Plumbing Emergencies

Regular maintenance is better than having your plumbing system completely replaced. It can minimise the risks of burst pipes, blocked drains, and sewer backups.

Importance of Regular Inspections

Regular inspections allow you to identify and immediately address any underlying plumbing failure that leads to costly repairs. Such negligence can result in further damage and difficult repairs.

Routine inspections allow our plumbing specialists to detect the cause of unusual gurgling sounds, visible leaks, soft spots on walls and floors or pools of water in your yard. 

Checking Valves and Pipes

Valves regulate water flow throughout the system and must be inspected for smooth function. Pipes must also be examined for deterioration, corrosion, or leaks. Regular inspection of valves and pipes prolongs its lifespan and cuts service fees because of improved efficiency.

Conclusion

Knowing how to shut off your water supply in an emergency can save your belongings, home, and property and save you money on expensive repair and maintenance. 

You can do it yourself, but your plumbing issues are never guaranteed to be fixed. The problem could only prolong or get worse over time. Better yet, call our Link Plumbing experienced plumbers at 0412 056 027 to get the job done right and quickly.

Whenever you encounter emergency plumbing issues, such as burst pipes, severe leaks, or any plumbing-related matters, don’t hesitate to contact Link Plumbing. Call us today at 0412 056 027 to book our service. 

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