You probably don't spend much time thinking about your water main. It works well, and a plumbing emergency is rare. But when that emergency moment does strike, you may need to know how to turn off your water main so that you can safely deal with the problem while minimising water damage.
Here, we will show you the best way to turn off your water main. We will explore the different reasons you may need to turn off your water and see when it’s time to ask for the help of a plumbing expert. Read on to find out more.
If you are a new homeowner, you might not know what the water main actually is, let alone how to turn it off! Simply put, your water main (or valve) is what controls the water flowing into your property. Water mains can come in a range of different types, and should not be used to control the level of water flow, as they are made to be either completely open or completely closed.
Usually, your water main remains on (or open) all year round. However, in some instances, you will need to shut it off.
It becomes necessary to turn your water main off in several circumstances, such as when you are having plumbing work or maintenance carried out on your property, or if any plumbing fixtures and fittings are being replaced. However, in more pressing circumstances, you may need to turn off your water main if you suspect a leak, if you see water dripping or leaking from beneath a sink, if you see water pooling in your home or yard, or if water is present in your home for any other reason.
Your water main will usually be located at the front of your property, under a cover plate. In some cases (usually in colder climates), it may be located inside your property, in a utility room.
Once you have located the valve, you will need to turn it clockwise to close the water main off completely. However, in some cases, you may find that the valve is too fixed for you to move it. In this case, you can try and use protective gloves or pliers, or you may need to call a plumber to do it safely. If you proceed yourself, ensure that you move the valve slowly to reduce the likelihood of damage.
The water to your property will then be cut off until you reopen the valve again.
If you find yourself in a plumbing emergency, even if you have managed to successfully turn off your water main, you should call a plumbing professional. The experts at Plumber To Your Door can help you with all kinds of plumbing issues, whether this is some routine maintenance, a check to ensure everything is running correctly, a quick fix, a big project, or even that dreaded emergency moment. Don’t try and take on a mammoth plumbing task yourself - get in touch for advice and support every step of the way.
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