Water Supply
- Shutting Off the Main
When you have a leak in your supply pipes, you will need to know how to shut off the water quickly. If you know where there's a shutoff 'upstream' of the leak, close that valve first. Turn it clockwise until it won't go any farther. One way to remember which way to turn valves is: "Left loosens, right tightens."
The main water valve is usually located right where the main water pipe enters your house. Another emergency choke point is the valve at your water meter. You'll need a sturdy
meter wrench
to turn it.
The Pros Say:
Little-used valves become stuck with age. Turn them now and then to insure they'll work in an emergency.
If you have a hot-water leak, you can usually shut off only the hot water by locating and closing the cold-supply valve just above the water heater.
Old valves become stuck because the packing shrinks tightly to the valve's stem when not frequently turned. When you activate the valve after years of rest, it will almost always leak at the packing nut, sometimes hours later. Use the meter valve to leave your problems outside where a leak will cause no damage. In fact, the water company is responsible for this valve if it leaks.
Safety
Make a diagram of your home's water supply and gas shutoffs and keep it where you can find it in a hurryùsay, on the back of a kitchen cabinet door. Be sure family members, baby-sitters and house-sitters know where it is.
Paint valve handles a bright color to make them easier to find in poor light.
Safety-related resources on the Web:
Index of Occupational Safety and Health Resources (http://turva.me.tut.fi/~oshweb/)
National Safety Council (http://www.national-safety-council.ie/)
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/homepage.html)
Other safety Web sites