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If your water main started leaking, would you know how to turn off your water? If there’s a water leak inside your home, do you know where your home’s shut off value is?

Tools

It pays to take time now to find the locations of your water shut off inside your home, the water main shut off outside your home, and the gas shut off outside your home.

Then, find the tools needed to turn these off if needed.  K­eep these tools handy for emergencies, and as close to the shut off location as possible so you can shut off water or gas immediately.

Label each tool so it’s clear in an emergency what tool does what.  In addition, label your home’s main shut off valve, so anyone in your home knows immediately what it is.

Having the right tool available can prevent costly water damage to floors, ceilings, furniture, and belongings.                                          

Location

Usually, the main water shut off valve is located in the parking strip or near the street.  The meter and the shut off valve are located inside an iron box with a lid.

Inside the house, your water shut off valve could be in your basement, near where the water line enters the home.  If not there, try and trace the water lines to find the shut off.  It should be clearly marked.  If not marked, create a large paper tag indicating WATER SHUT OFF and tie that tag to the valve or pipe.

If you don’t have a water shut off valve inside your home, call Raymark and one of our expert plumbers will install one. Seattle Public Utilities highly recommends all homes have a water shut off valve.

Tips

  1. Keep a wrench by the door nearest to your water main for emergency shut off. If you have a Top Shut Off (TSO) valve, it can be shut off with a crescent wrench. Turn the valve until the 2 holes align. See the Seattle Public Utilities website for details. If you have an older water meter, call SPU for help in shutting off the outside water line. 206-386-1800 is SPU’s 24/7 phone number.
  2. Draw a map and post it on your home’s bulletin board or information center. Add fire extinguisher locations and emergency exits to the map as well. Discuss this map over dinner with your family.
  3. Install earthquake automatic shut off valves for water and gas lines. Raymark Plumbers are happy to assist with this.

Call Raymark Plumbing and Sewer at 206-430-1954 with any water valve and water shut off needs. Our experienced and knowledgeable plumbers are happy to help you prepare your home for any emergency.