Plumbing
Emergency Tips
In a plumbing emergency, you'll need to stop the flow of water
quickly. To do this, you and each member of your family needs
to know the location of the shutoff valve for every fixture
and appliance, as well as the main shutoff valve for the house,
and how they operate.
- If
the emergency involves a specific fixture or appliance,
first look for its shutoff valve and turn it clockwise to
shut off the water to that fixture or appliance only.
- The
valve is usually located underneath a fixture such as a
sink or a toilet, or behind an appliance, such as a clothes
washer, at the point where the water supply pipe (or pipes)
connects to it.
- If
the problem is not with a particular fixture or appliance,
or if there's no shutoff valve for the fixture or appliance,
use the main shutoff valve to turn off the water supply
to the entire house.
- You'll
find the main shutoff valve on the inside or outside of
your house where the main water supply pipe enters.
- In
cold climates, look just inside the foundation wall in the
basement or crawl space.
- Turn
the valve clockwise to shut it off.
- Professional
Tip If you need a wrench to turn the valve, keep one, specially
labeled near the valve so it's handy.
- If
the main shutoff valve itself is defective and needs to
be repaired, call your water company; they can send someone
out with the special tool that's required to shut off the
water at the street before it reaches the valve.
A Leaking or Broken Pipe
Turn off the main shutoff valve to prevent water damage. Make
temporary repairs to stop the leak. The pipe will have to
be replaced as soon as it's convenient to do so.
A Stopped-Up Sink
Shut off any faucet or appliance (such as dishwasher) that's
draining into the sink. Unclog the sink using a plunger or
snake. DON'T use a chemical drain cleaner if the blockage
is total.
A Faucet That Won't Shut Off
Immediately turn off the water at the fixture shutoff valve
underneath the sink. If there's no valve there, turn off the
main shutoff valve. Repair the faucet or, if necessary, replace
it.
A Steaming Hot Water Faucet
Open all the hot water faucets to relieve the overheated hot
water heater. Turn off the gas or electric supply to the heater.
Let the faucets run until cold water flows from them (this
indicates the water in the heater is no longer overheated).
Close them. Call in a professional to make any necessary repairs
to the heater's thermostat and pressure relief valve.
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