It a common occurrence for our San Bernardino, Orange County and Los Angeles plumbers to receive emergency calls pertaining to a leaking or burst pipe. In such situations, knowing the location and function of the main shutoff valve can save you thousands of dollars in additional damage. A busted copper water pipe likely may only take minutes to repair, but the damage done by the free-flowing water can be extensive. Even when you’re able to get immediate service by an Orange County or Los Angeles plumber, there is still a crucial window of opportunity for homeowners and family members to take action and shut off the main water supply.
Two Main Shutoff Valve Types
Gate valves are the first main type of shutoff valves. Gate valves have round handles that are shut off by turning the handles clockwise. They appear very similar to the valves found on most outdoor water faucets for garden hoses. Because lack of use can make them difficult to turn, it may be helpful to use a rag over the valve for better grip and sidestep using tools to avoid damaging or breaking the valve or line.
The second type of shutoff valves are known as Ball valves. Ball valves have a handle that lines up with the pipe when turned on. This type of valve must be rotated 90 degrees to the right or left to effectively shut the water off. Occasionally, ball valves are equipped with metal stops that indicate which direction the valve must be rotated. These valves require a special type of shutoff wrench to turn them, which can often be found at a hardware store. Adeedo! plumbers carry specialty tools to shut off water at the underground outdoor street valves should the indoor valve fail.
Finding a Home’s Main Water Shutoff Valve
Shutoff valves are usually located close to the public utility’s water meter. Homes with crawl spaces likely have a shutoff valve located close to an access panel or in a utility closet inside the home.
Because even immediately-responding plumbers must navigate traffic and other hindrances, it is wise to know ahead of time where to locate and how to control a shutoff valve. Furthermore, if it has never been used, make sure to have one of our qualified Orange County or Los Angeles plumbers inspect and test it.
The faster the water is shut off, the better chance you have to reduce costs related to water damage repair work.
In the event of a plumbing emergency, Adeedo! can provide assistance from a trained and experienced Los Angeles plumber. If you cannot find the shutoff valve in an emergency, or if the valve does not work, call one our expert technicians to assist.
For more information or to schedule an appointment with one of our San Bernardino, Orange County or Los Angeles plumbers, please give us a call at (833) 936-1791.
