In many plumbing emergencies, shutting off the main water supply quickly can prevent thousands of dollars in damage. The quicker you can shut off the main water supply, the less water damage you and your plumber in Jordan Springs would have to deal with.
In this article, we will share with you a quick guide on how to quickly find and shut off your building’s main water supply.
What is the Main Water Supply
Every building has a main water supply. It is the point from which water enters your home before branching off to individual pipes throughout your property. This water supply typically has a shut-off valve, which lets you turn the main water supply on or off. When the valve is turned on, water flows freely into the entire building. When it is turned off, water is cut off from the whole building.
How to Find the Main Water Supply
The main water supply line is typically located where the water first enters your home. This would depend on your building’s water source: whether it uses the municipal water system or a private source.
If you get water from the municipal system, your main water supply would usually be located in a water meter box somewhere in your:
- Basement,
- Crawlspace,
- Utility room,
- Garage, or
- Somewhere outside the home.
If you get water from a private source, your main water supply is usually located near the pressure tank, well pump, or wherever the water is pumped or stored before it reaches your home. These components are commonly found in a basement, utility room, or pump house, depending on how the well system is set up.
Pro Tip: If you are having trouble locating your main supply line, you may want to reach out to your neighbours in case they can help. If not, then your local licensed plumber in Jordan Springs can help out with that.
It is always a good idea to identify the main supply line before an emergency so when such an emergency occurs, you immediately know where to look.
How to Shut Off the Main Water Supply: A Step-by-Step Guide
To shut off your building’s main water supply, follow the three (3) simple steps below:
- Go to the main water supply line and locate its shut-off valve.
- Turn off the water supply to the building by closing the valve.
- Check to make sure water has been cut off to the building by turning on a faucet in the home.
Once the main water supply has been shut off, you’d want to open a few faucets throughout the building to drain any remaining water from your pipes, as doing this reduces the pressure already present in the plumbing system.
Different Plumbing Emergencies that May Require Shutting off Your Main Water Supply
Not all plumbing emergencies require that you shut down the supply of water to the entire building. If you do find yourself having to deal with the issues below, however, shutting off your main water supply might just be the right choice:
- Burst pipes
- Major leaks
- Frozen pipes
- Water contamination
- Overflowing faucets and toilets
- Major plumbing repairs and renovation
There are, however, plumbing emergencies that do not require cutting off the water to your building. Some of these include:
- Clogged drains or toilets
- Slow leaks that can be easily managed
- Running toilets
- Minor appliance leaks
- Low water pressure issues
Conclusion
Knowing where your building’s main water supply is can be the singular difference between having a manageable plumbing emergency and facing extensive water damage and costly repairs. By quickly cutting off the supply of water to the building, you not only prevent the damage from getting worse, but also help conserve water and reduce utility costs. And all it’d cost you is just a little bit of foresight, quick thinking, and a quick jog to the shut-off valve before your plumber in Jordan Springs arrives.
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