Water is an essential part of our everyday living and is made possible because of continually pressurized water in pipes of our homes and buildings. The pressurized water, though, can also wreak havoc if a pipe bursts or an appliance breaks. When this happens, minor plumbing repairs to Tucson homes can turn into extensive repairs. Knowing how to halt the sudden flow of water can help prevent major damage and costly repairs. There are three major areas where you can shut off water: inside main valve, outside main line, and individual appliance valves.
Inside Main Valve
Inside your house is a water shut-off valve that will deprive the entire house of water. It is usually located in the basement (if equipped) or on a wall near where place where the pipes enter the house. When water is turned off at this location, all water that comes through the house pipes, including outside faucets connected to the house, are without water. It does not impact any sprinklers that are hooked up to city water.
The whole house water shut-off valve is located in the meter box near the curb
Outside Main Valve
The outside main valve is the city water meter. This valve is located in the ground near the street or curb. It is encased in concrete and covered with a heavy lid. You may need a tool to help pry up the lid. To turn the valves on or off, you will need a water key, either a two-pronged fork style or a lug-wrench style depending on the type of valve you have.
Sometimes the valves will be tight and not turn easily due to lack of use. If this is the case, apply reasonable pressure then stop. If you force the valve to turn, you could break it and cause flood to occur at the access point. It is best to contact a Roto Rooter specialist to come and help if you can’t get it to turn.
You should turn the water off at this point if there are any natural or man-made disasters that could potentially weaken the structure of your home.
Individual Appliance Valves
Devices that use water, such as sinks, toilets and washing machines, are all equipped with their own shut-off valve. If one of these devices breaks, turning its shut-off valve will stop the unwanted flow of water. While you wait for the plumbing repairs in your Tucson home to be made, you cans still have water in the rest of the house.
