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 and adjusting the “packing nut” located beneath it. By doing so, you can enhance the seal surrounding the stem.
If the handle is rusted off, you can use PL to grip the stem and turn it without applying too much pressure. When turning the water off, the handle of a ball valve typically has a stopper that ensures the ball is correctly positioned. Without the handle, there is a risk of over-rotating the valve and unintentionally opening it again. Ensure you rotate the stem only by 90 degrees.
Problems With Full-Port Gate Valves
Problems With Multi-turn Angle Supply Stop Valves
Quarter Turn Angle Supply Stop Valve Problems
Accor Plastic Fixture Supply Push/Pull Shut Off Valves
Recessed Box Angle Stop Supply Valves
How to Take Care of Shut-Off Valves
Including Full-Port Gate Valves, Multi-Turn Angle Supply Stop Valves, and Quarter Turn Angle Supply Stop Plastic Fixture Supply Push/Pull Shut Off Valves and Recessed Box Angle Stop Supply Valves
Now that you’ve identified and familiarized yourself with the different shut-off valves in your home, it’s essential to learn some key maintenance strategies to ensure you’re well-prepared.
It is important to use your plumbing regularly, including the valves. If valves are not used for an extended period, they can accumulate calcium deposits that hinder their proper functioning.
To maintain your valves’ optimal performance, establish a routine of closing and reopening them periodically, ideally every 6-12 months. This practice will aid in preventing calcium buildup and provide an opportunity to visually inspect the valves for any visible signs of wear or corrosion.
Test Your Valves
While you are operating your valves, it is a good opportunity to also check them. Turn on a faucet after the valve and allow the pressure to release. Once the faucet has finished dripping, observe it for a few minutes to confirm that the water flow has ceased entirely.
Discovering that your shut-off valves do not fully shut off can be disastrous, as a brief water leak could lead to significant financial loss due to damage to your property.
When Should You Replace Your Shut-Off Valves?
If you live in an older house with valves that haven’t been used in a long time it’s best to be cautious about checking or operating them unless you are prepared to replace them immediately if they don’t work properly.
Look Into Smart Leak Detectors Or Water Alarms
Traditional water alarm systems and leak-detecting valves have been available for years, but recent innovations have led to the development of cutting-edge, smart-enabled devices that can identify water leaks in the home. Turning the water off during a leak is now more efficient with these smart systems. Notable brands at the forefront of this technology include Flo by Moen and Phyn, which offer advanced solutions for leak detection.
It is advisable to invest in protection for high-risk areas of your home, you opt for a modern “smart” solution or stick with traditional water alarms.
A common source of water damage is often found in the vicinity of the water heater, as the numerouwater connections and their frequently concealed potential leaks and issues.
Typical leaks can occur beneath the kitchen sink and dishwasher, where numerous water and drain lines converge, particularly if additional features such as a reverse osmosis water filter or instant hot water faucet are installed.
What’s Next?
If you need clarification on your shut-off valves or require replacement, feel free to reach out to us. Our experienced plumbers, who serve the North Dallas area, have extensively navigated complex installations, making them well-equipped to address any questions or concerns you may have.
Give us a call at 469-361-2700
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