What is the Importance of Plumbing Shut Off Valves?
The damage caused by a burst pipe can be extensive, not only the cost to repair it, but also the damage to the home itself and the precious items in the home. The result can be a personal and serious financial loss. Plumbing shut off valves are important as they will stop the water spill thereby preventing further damage of the home.
The emergency shut off valve is very important and every homeowner should know where the valve is located. If you do not have shut-off valves installed at your fixtures, you should have these valves installed by a certified plumber. You can even acquire shut off valves that have special sensors that will automatically shut off the flow of water if there is a leak which will prevent flooding of the home.
The emergency shut off valve is the easiest and quickest way to cut off the water supply in the event of a serious leak. If you have your own well, you will normally find the emergency shut off valve by the pressure tank. If your water comes from your local town or city, you will normally find the emergency valve at the water supply meter. Inside the meter, you will find the emergency shut off valve. You should be able to see the valve handle. There are other shut off valves located under sinks and by the toilet. They will have a lever that you turn to shut off the water supply to that fixture. If you have a dish washer and washing machine, you will also find shut off valves. As well, you can find a shut off valve on the wall next to the water heater or in the basement. A shut off valve handle can be a lever or look like a wagon wheel (emergency shut off valve). You may need a wrench to close a valve.
Water leak detectors and automatic shut-off valves will help to prevent water damage from a leaking washer pipe connection, hot water tank, or a burst water supply pipe. Each valve will contain a sensing device to detect the presence of a leak. The sensors can be connected wirelessly or wired directly to the shut off valve. A sensor can be installed in a particular spot where a leak may occur. There are also sensing devices that measure the duration of the water spill, the spill rate, or detect a particular appliance that needs the water supply line shut off.
Every homeowner should know where their shut off valves are located and how to use the valves. Newer homes will have emergency shut-off valves for every fixture and appliance. However, older homes may not have the shut-off valves so homeowners should have a plumber install them. It will help minimize damage from flooding as they will be able to quickly shut off the valve thereby saving such items as carpets, floors, furniture, and other important items.
Part of the responsibility of home ownership is maintaining its vital systems, which includes the plumbing. You should understand and know where the essential components of the plumbing are such as the shut off valves in order to prevent a huge expense and the loss of important and personally meaningful items in the home.
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Category: Home Management
Keywords: plumbing, water, business,services, licensed plumbers, home management, repairs, drains, pipes, clog