By Dan Kern – Owner of Ace Handyman Services Fox Valley, 1/26/24
If you have a water line break in your house, the first thing to do is to shut off your water main and open a faucet at the lowest part of your home to clear water out of the lines. This will stop the flow of water until someone can come out to fix the break. Once the water has stopped, then call someone to come and fix the break.
The last couple weeks the Fox Valley has experienced a period of snow and extremely cold temperatures that have created issues for all of us. As the temperatures rise and homes start to thaw out, there has been a constant flow of urgent calls to plumbers, restoration companies, and handyman services like ours.
We have also seen across social media channels like Facebook and Nextdoor homeowners posting in desperation about water that is “ruining everything” with pleas to help stop the flow of water from broken pipes. When asked if they know where their water main shut off is, they simply don’t know.
Go into your basement or the utility room, look where copper pipes are coming in from the outside, that are entering the house, and find a large valve, like the one in the picture above, and shut the valve off. You can control the amount of damage you have in your home from a burst water pipe by finding the water main shut-off valve in your home and turning the water off.
The next step is to call someone like a plumber who can search for the break and make the fix. A remediation service can then come in and remove wet drywall, carpet, wood...etc, and begin the process of drying the space out. You can then call other services to come in to do the restorative work to return your home to normal. It is also a good idea to connect with your homeowner’s insurance agent to explore a claim as the repair, remediation, and restoration of your home will likely need your insurance company to get involved.
Knowing the location of the house water shut-off is crucial for every homeowner for several reasons:
Emergency Situations: In the event of a water leak, burst pipe, or other plumbing emergencies, being able to quickly shut off the water supply can prevent extensive damage to your home. This can save you from costly repairs and minimize the risk of water damage.
Safety: Water leaks can pose safety hazards, such as slippery floors and the potential for electrical issues if water comes into contact with wiring. Turning off the water supply promptly can help mitigate these risks.
Home Maintenance: Knowing the location of the shut-off valve is essential for routine maintenance tasks, such as replacing faucets, repairing pipes, or installing new appliances. Shutting off the water allows you to work on these tasks without the risk of flooding.
Water Conservation: In situations where you need to make plumbing repairs, shutting off the water prevents unnecessary water wastage. This aligns with efforts to conserve water resources and reduce utility bills.
Peace of Mind: Having awareness of where the water shut-off is located provides peace of mind for homeowners. In case of unexpected issues, you can respond quickly and confidently, minimizing potential damage and stress.
To ensure preparedness, homeowners should familiarize themselves with the location of the main water shut-off valve in their homes and periodically check that it functions properly. It is also a good idea to share the location of the shut-off valve with other members of your family. Another good practice is to tag the valve with an easy-to-see and read sign or label allowing for quick identification. During a water line break, the sooner you can eliminate the flow of water, the less damage and repair that will be needed.
Knowing where and how to shut the flow of water off as quickly as possible is key!
At Ace Handyman Services Fox Valley our TEAM of multi-skilled craftsmen can help assess and help get the water off if you need assistance. We also can help with referrals to plumber and water remediation companies, as well as help with the restoration of any areas that have been damaged.
Please call the TEAM at Ace Handyman Services Fox Valley at 847-930-5053 if you would like assistance.
