Would you know what to do in a plumbing emergency? There’s water spraying out onto your floor, you have to think fast before more damage is done. The first thing you should do in this situation is to turn the water off at the valve, so it’s important that you know how to do this in case of an emergency.

Reasons you might need to shut off the water

As already mentioned, one of the biggest reasons to quickly shut off your water is if there is water spurting out into your home. This may be from a leak, a burst or damaged pipe, a damaged faucet, or a clogged toilet. Whatever the cause, shut off the water ASAP to stop your house from flooding. In the case of a natural flood or a backed-up sewer pipe, you may also want to shut off your water as a form of damage control.

If you’re having plumbing work done, either professional or DIY, then many tasks will require for you to shut the water off first. If you’re taking a faucet apart, for example, you won’t want water spraying out into your face. So, if you’re performing DIY plumbing maintenance or are carrying out home renovations in an area where there’s plumbing nearby, switch off the water first.

How to find your water shutoff valve

Your main water shutoff valve is typically located near the water meter. This may be inside or outside your home depending on the climate of where you live. It is most likely to be found on the side of your home that is closest to the street. If it is inside, it will typically be found around the perimeter of your home. In some homes, the main valve has a bright red handle to make it easier to spot.

If you still can’t find the main water valve, then you may be able to find the location of it if you have the property inspection report from when you first moved in. Alternatively, you can try calling a local plumber or your water company to help you shut the water supply off.

Next step – call an emergency plumber

Once you’ve found the valve, turn it in a clockwise direction to switch off the water. The next step is to call a local plumber to come out to your home as quickly as possible. Attempting to perform emergency plumbing repairs yourself can be dangerous and can lead to further damage to your home and plumbing.

Call DS Brandon Plumbing for emergency plumbing services around Clemmons, Winston Salem, and Lewisville.