Shutoff Valve

Shutoff Valve

The most important thing to know about the plumbing in the house is the location of the main shutoff valve.
If a pipe breaks or the water heater bursts, turn off the main shutoff valve fast.
There also should be various "local" shutoff valves. Locate them, too.
There should be one under each sink, on toilet tanks, and on the washing machine.


If you want to find out if the water stain on your ceiling is caused by a water leak or a faulty roof, use your meter. Make sure all faucets are off, then watch for 20 minutes the one-foot pointer on your meter. If it moved, even slowly, there is a leak.

If you do not have a meter, plumbing supply stores have available amplifying devices to help determine possible leaks.


Water Noises

"Water hammer" is annoying but not serious. It is a phenomenon that occurs when a valve abruptly stops the flow of incoming water.

The problem may be corrected by one of these methods:

• Replacing an "offending" faucet that is spring-closed with one that is manually closed. The manually closed one operates more slowly.
• Reducing the high water pressure by closing the main shutoff valve slightly.
• Checking the temperature on the hot water heater. It should never be above 140 degrees F.
• Installing a shock absorber to prevent the vibration. This is a job for a professional plumber rather than a do-it-yourselfer.