A burst pipe, overflowing fixture, or major leak can send water through a home quickly. Knowing how to stop the water supply can help limit damage while you arrange for repairs.
The right shutoff depends on where the problem is occurring and whether the leak can be isolated to one fixture or requires shutting down the home’s entire water supply. Below, this emergency plumbing company in Winnetka, Illinois is going to explain how to shut off water during a plumbing emergency and what to do next.
The main shutoff valve controls the water supply entering the home.
Its location varies, but it is often found near the point where the main water line enters the building, such as in a basement, utility area, crawl space, or near the water meter.
A qualified emergency plumbing company in Winnetka, Illinois can help you identify the main valve before an emergency occurs so everyone in the household knows where it is.
Once you locate the main valve, turn it to the closed position.
A wheel-style gate valve generally closes by turning it clockwise. A lever-style ball valve is usually off when the handle is turned one-quarter turn so it sits perpendicular to the pipe.
Do not force a valve that is stuck, corroded, or damaged. Excessive force can create another plumbing problem.
Yes, in many situations.
Toilets, sinks, and some other fixtures have individual shutoff valves on their supply lines. If the problem is limited to one fixture and its valve is accessible and working properly, shutting off only that supply may allow the rest of the home to continue using water.
If the source of the leak is unclear or water is continuing to spread, shutting off the main supply may be the safer option.
First, stop additional water from entering the bowl.
If possible, turn the toilet’s shutoff valve clockwise until it closes. Avoid flushing the toilet again until the cause of the backup has been identified.
For homeowners in Winnetka, Illinois, knowing where each fixture shutoff is located can make it easier to react quickly when a plumbing problem develops.
A burst pipe generally requires the main water supply to be shut off as quickly as practical.
After closing the main valve, open a faucet at a lower level of the home to help relieve pressure and allow remaining water to drain from the plumbing system.
Move belongings away from the affected area when it is safe to do so and contact a plumber to locate and repair the damaged section.
Treat the situation cautiously.
Do not stand in water or touch electrical panels, outlets, appliances, or cords in a wet area. If water is affecting electrical equipment or you cannot safely reach the plumbing shutoff, stay away from the hazard and seek professional assistance.
Personal safety comes first.
Do not keep applying force if the valve will not move.
Older valves can corrode, seize, or fail internally. A damaged shutoff may also leak when it is operated.
An experienced emergency plumbing company in Winnetka, Illinois can address the immediate plumbing problem and determine whether the main shutoff itself needs repair or replacement.
Shutting off the water controls the flow, but it does not correct the underlying problem.
Take note of where the leak started, what was happening beforehand, and whether any fixtures or appliances were involved. This information can help the plumber diagnose the issue.
At John J. Cahill Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning, we provide emergency plumbing service for burst pipes, major leaks, sewer issues, and other urgent plumbing concerns.
Knowing how to shut off your home’s water can help limit damage during a plumbing emergency, but the source of the problem still needs to be identified and repaired. A professional emergency plumbing company in Winnetka, Illinois can evaluate the system and determine what needs to be done to restore it safely.
At John J. Cahill Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning, our plumbers are available when urgent plumbing problems arise. Contact us for emergency service and help getting your plumbing system back under control.