Learning About Plumbing Shut-Off Valves
We tend to take our home’s plumbing for granted — until an emergency occurs.
We tend to take our home’s plumbing for granted — until an emergency occurs. However, knowing how to react when the water supply urgently needs to be turned off can be the difference between a minor inconvenience and a full-blown disaster. Please keep reading to learn about plumbing shut-off valves and how to use them.
Types of shut-off valves
Many people have a single image in their minds when they hear the words “shut-off valve,” but in reality, these fittings come in various shapes and sizes. In addition, some of them work in a more straightforward way than others. Here are the most common types of shut-off valves found around the home and how to turn each off.
Gate valves
Gate valves were once standard in residential plumbing and are still used as water heater and main shut-off valves. However, they are challenging to handle and are prone to corrosion. To shut off a gate valve, turn the handle clockwise several times.
Ball valves
Ball valves have a lever-style handle that only turns 90 degrees. These valves are more user-friendly, so they have replaced gate valves in residential buildings.
Supply stop valves
Angled or straight supply stop valves come in several styles, from quarter- to multi-turn models. They are typically used for controlling the water flow to individual fixtures. Turn the handle clockwise to shut off this valve. Multi-turn models will need to be squeezed shut.
Push-pull valves
A newer fixture shut-off valve uses a push-pull mechanism to cut off the water supply. Grab and pull the plastic knob to shut off this valve.
How to find the shut-off valves
The exact location of shut-off valves depends on local building codes and practices, but they are typically located in the following locations:
Main shut-off valve
Suburban homes usually have two main shut-off valves. The first shut off water for the entire property, including outdoor irrigation fixtures. Also, it’s located near the street, in a closed box on the ground. The second shut-off valve cuts off the water only from the building itself. Find it near the house, in the garage or a similar utility room, or even buried in a flower bed.
Individual fixture valves
Individual fixtures all have shut-off valves. Each valve will be under or behind the corresponding fixture. For instance, look under the kitchen sink for the kitchen faucet and the dishwasher valves. Tubs and showers don’t typically have a shut-off valve, but newer fixtures may have a push-pull knob hidden inside a box in the wall.
Know the valves!
A plumbing emergency can be an expensive misfortune. Since shut-off valves play a crucial role in safeguarding the property, locating and checking each valve to ensure they still function is a recommended preventive step. It’s best not to wait for an emergency to call professionals and have old, corroded, unusable valves replaced.
Frontier Plumbing of Las Vegas is a full-service commercial and residential plumbing company offering a full spectrum of plumbing services. We are determined to exceed your expectations! Call 702-602-6705 today!