The classic adage states that it is preferable to be safe than sorry. This is why our cars are equipped with airbags, although we hope to never need them. The same can be true for your home's plumbing system, which is equipped with a number of safety features to prevent emergencies and expensive water damage.

Even if you are not a professional plumber, you should be aware of the location of all the shut-off valves in your house. These valves will allow you to stop the flow of water through your pipes before it reaches a fixture or appliance such as a faucet, showerhead, or toilet. There are two principal varieties of shut-off valves. This post will describe how to locate both.

Principal water shut-off lever

Your residence has a main water shut-off valve that can shut off the water to the entire residence. This shut-off valve should be located near where the water main enters your home on the ground floor or in the basement. Check your home inspection report you received when you acquired the house if you are having difficulties locating the main shut-off valve. The report may have the shut-off valve marked or labeled.

After locating the main shut-off valve, ensure that it is not hidden behind a wall or obstructed by heavy objects. If you have a significant plumbing problem, such as a broken pipe, you'll need to get to the water shut-off valve fast to prevent further damage.

Valves for disabling a fixture

While the main water shut-off valve regulates the water for the entire house, many of your fixtures have their own shut-off valves. When you need to repair or replace a fixture without disrupting the supply of water to the rest of the house, these can be quite useful.

Sink faucets, toilets, and washing machines are examples of fixtures that often have their own shut-off valve. Look behind or beneath the fixture for the valve, which may resemble either a little wheel or a lever. If the fixture uses hot and cold water, each line will have its own shut-off valve.

Each member of your household should be aware of the location of the home's shut-off valves. A simple turn of the valve can prevent a minor plumbing problem from escalating into a costly catastrophe.