Steve's Affordable Sewer & Drain Cleaning

Emergency Shutoff
What to do when pipes burst, fixtures leak or appliances flood.

You probably don’t think about your plumbing system very often. After all, it’s not a very exciting subject and as long as it is working, there is really nothing to think about, right? Wrong!

Understanding a few basic facts about how your plumbing system works and what to do in case of a pipe break or system backup can prevent plumbing headaches and even property loss in the future.

Take a moment today to locate all of the shutoff valves in your home so you'll be prepared for an emergency.

Whole-house shutoff
For a home served by a well, the shutoff will be on the house side of the pressure tank. You should also cut power to the tank so it doesn't detect a phantom pressure loss and burn out trying to compensate. In a home with metered water, look for the shutoff on either side of the water meter. Remember, your meter could be located in the basement, mounted on an exterior wall, or even out near the street in a concrete "meter pit" where the household feed line meets the utility main.

Whole-house hot-water shutoff
On your water heater there should be a valve on the hot-water outlet, which controls all of the hot water to the house. If there isn't one on yours, have us install one.

Toilet shutoff
Look for this inline shutoff — typically a ribbed oval handle — under the toilet tank.

Sink shutoffs
These inline shutoffs usually sit just beneath the sink or within the cabinet or vanity. The one on the left is usually for the hot water, the one on the right for cold water.

Dishwasher shutoff
Look first under the kitchen sink. Often there's a reducer coupling and shutoff valve leading to the dishwasher on the 1/2-inch hot-water sink-supply line. Not there? If you have a basement, look between the ceiling joists just below the appliance.

Clothes washer
There should be valves where the house-supply lines meet the washer hoses. Washer hoses are notoriously weak, so always close the valves when leaving home for an extended period.

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