Once the water passes the three valves installed by your water provider, it goes through the primary shutoff valve. As the name implies, this is the valve that allows and hinders the passing of water through other pipes in your home. With most plumbing problems centred on pipes, which carry water for you to use, it is important that you know where this is so that water does not end up splashing in so many places when you work on leaks and other pipe problems.
Located on an exterior wall of the structure or in the basement, it comes in one of two designs:
* Ball Valve: Homes with copper or plastic main pipes leading to your home may have a valve of this type. It opens if you align the handle with the pipe, and can be closed by turning the handle clockwise so it is perpendicular to the pipe.
* Gate valve: These valves last long and are reliable, but become hard to turn after not being turned for a long time. Hence, make sure to open and close this valve every month or so. The main feature of this valve is a piece of metal called a gate, which determines how much water should flow to other parts of your plumbing. This piece of metal is controlled by a knob.
Despite the differences in design, they can be switched off by turning the handle clockwise. For gate valves to fully close, however, you have to turn the handle or knob many times. (Note: to turn the knob clockwise, turn it right.)
Once you have opened and closed the valve, a small amount of water may leak near the valve stem, which is secured using a packing nut. To prevent any more water from leaking, tighten the nut, but not too much, lest you cause the valve to become difficult to turn.
Each time you switch the water off and let pipes drain, unscrew the aerators on the end parts of the taps and then switch the water on again. This keeps small scale particles, which might shake loose from within the pipes, from clogging every hole in the aerators.
These are the things you need to know about finding your house’s main water shutoff valve and shutting it properly. Remember these things, as shutting the flow of water into your home may be the only thing you can do when something that only a friendly neighbourhood plumber can fix has happened to your house’s plumbing.