What You Need to Know About Your Plumbing in San Diego, Part 1: Emergency Shutoff Location

plumber pointing to pipes under sink

Plumbing Basics 101: How to Prevent Expensive Water Damage

When it comes to plumbing, many people generally ignore their systems until they encounter issues, At John Padilla Plumbing, Inc. our team believesĀ in teaching the community we serve how to be proactive about their plumbing. Doing so will save them valuable time and money in the long run, and it will allow them to get the most out of their systems. One of the most important parts of any plumbing system that many people are not even aware of is the emergency shutoff location.

This small valve holds a great deal of power. In fact, it controls all of the water supply in a house or building and can prevent the majority of plumbing disasters when used properly. Knowing the location of this valve and how to use it could save you from thousands of dollars of damage.

This valve is usually located within three to five feet of where the water main enters the home. If you are looking for it, you should first check the front wall, the mechanical room, or near the water heater or furnace. If there is a crawl space or slab construction, the valve could also be inside of that space. Those who have fire sprinkler systems in their home should take extra care when turning off a shutoff valve. Unless you are working on the sprinkler pipe, you should only turn off the plumbing supply.

Your emergency valve either looks like a gate valve or a ball valve. The main difference between a gate valve and a ball valve is that a gate valve requires you to move a solid disk up and down in order to open and close it, while a ball valve requires you to rotate the ball with a bore in it 90 degrees. After you do this, you can open faucets in your home to make sure the plumbing is fully drained.

Have questions about your emergency shutoff location or other plumbing needs? Don’t hesitate to call John Padilla Plumbing, Inc. at (858) 375-5633 or contact us online.

What Happens When You Turn Off Your Shutoff Valve?

Your shutoff valve is used as a safety function. It allows your equipment to be serviced without affecting the rest of the system. It works by preventing air from reaching the part of the application in use. It is a good idea to turn off the shutoff valve before heading out of town or before leaving your home for an extended period of time. This will prevent any changes of water damage while you’re gone. When you turn off your shutoff valve, the water flow in your home should stop. This will prevent damage and pain to individuals, equipment in your home, and other valuables. That is why it is so important for homeowners to know where their shutoff valve is located and when they need to use it.

To learn more about the shutoff valve and other plumbing basics, call John Padilla Plumbing, Inc. at (858) 375-5633 or contact us online.

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