Congratulations on becoming a new homeowner. This is one of the most exciting moments in your life. Surely you are focusing on decorating your house and making it feel welcoming and beautiful. But, have you thought about the plumbing? This is one topic most homeowners don’t think about until a plumbing emergency arises. There are a few basic things you need to know about your plumbing.
Cut-Off Valves
The main culprits that cause leaking and damage are the water heater, toilet, and sinks in your home. It is important to learn where the cut-off valves are located so you can act fast during an emergency.
Since the toilet has more potential to leak make sure you locate the cut-off water valve as soon as you can. It will just take a few minutes to visit the bathrooms in your home and look behind the toilet towards the floor. Cut-off valves are generally located on the left or right side behind the toilet. Practice turning the water valve on and off to make sure it works properly. If you have an older home, chances are the water valve might have rust. Use a protective glove and carefully turn the valve until it easily moves. If it is stuck try using WD-40 to loosen the valve. If it remains stuck and won’t budge, you will need to contact a professional plumber for assistance.
Sinks tend to leak on occasion. Locate the cut-off valve under the sink and practice turning it on and off as mentioned above.
Water heaters are an essential part of your home. They provide you and your family with hot water for showers, laundry, and dishes. Hot water heaters tend to rust as they age which leads to leaking. It’s important to locate the cut-off valve. Carefully look at your water heater and read the top of the valve handle to assure it is the cut-off valve. Water valves are located in different places so make sure you find the right one before attempting to turn it off.
Every home contains a main water valve. It is essential that you locate this in your house. It is an excellent way to stop the flow of water into your house, especially when pipes break. The main water valve is often hidden but you can locate it by contacting a plumber for further assistance.
Learning where the cut-off valves are located in your house will help you stop the flow of water that can leak into your home and cause mold and other damage to your property. You will be surprised how much damage a small water leak can do to your home. If you need help locating water cut-off valves in your home call us today!
Since 1968, Chip Mokher & his team has provided South Florida with quality service with a commitment to our customers’ satisfaction. Our many years of experience has allowed us to serve thousands of homes and businesses in Miami-Dade County. We welcome the opportunity to serve you, please call us at 305-446-8266 or email us at chip@mokherplumbing.com
