Why You Should Shut Off Your Main Water Valve Immediately If You Have a Leak

Surprisingly, many people do not know that their house has a main water valve that feeds all the water in the house. Some people know they have a valve but do not know where it is. It is crucial to know where this valve is and how to operate it because if you have a leak, you need to close this valve first before you do anything else. 

Main Water Valves 

In your house, usually in the basement—if you have one—or where your hot water tank and furnace are located will be a large valve. This is where water enters your house from the city. In the event of a major water leak, you should immediately shut off this valve and water supply. 

Why Shut Off This Valve 

If you have a major leak, you will have no idea initially where it is coming from. Identifying the source of the leak can be difficult and time consuming. In fact, the layman may not be able to find the source at all, which is why you should call in professionals like 604FixLeak. 

Shutting off this valve is how you mitigate the damage. If the leak is coming from inside the house, shutting off all the water will stop the flow and decrease your damage. Otherwise, water will keep flowing until you can find the source and fix it. 

Types of Valves 

Main shut-off valves are typically either ball valves (most common) or gate valves. A ball valve is a lever that you turn 90 degrees. A gate valve might exist in an older home. These are operated by a round knob and threaded stem. You turn the knob clockwise as far as it will go to close the gate. 

Make sure that you know where your main water shut off is. If you don’t know, then ask your plumber or realtor. And then, if you have a leak, shut that off, then bring in professionals to fix the leak. 

604FixLeak offers leak detection, plumbing repairs and restoration services in the Greater Vancouver area. 

If you have any questions about this article or need some help with a leak in your home or office, call us today at (604) 349-5325.