The main shut off valve is one of the most important components of your plumbing system, yet too many homeowners still do know where or even what this piece of equipment is. Being able to locate the main shut off valve can prevent leaks, and save you a ton of money in damages. Keep reading to learn more about the main shut off valve and how to find it on your property, and remember to hire our experienced Las Vegas plumbers at Lange Plumbing & Fire Protection for repairs and more.

Your main shut off valve controls the entire flow of water in and out of your house. While most of us don’t have a reason to stop that supply on a daily basis, many homeowners need to do just that when toilets, sinks, or other appliances start to leak. Using the shut off valve to prevent the flow of water can stop burst pipes from getting out of control and save you a lot of money in emergency plumbing work.

In most cases, locating the main shut off valve is as simple or as difficult as scanning the interior perimeter of your house. The good news is that regardless of what type of property you have, you don’t have to look upstairs, as this component is always located near the wall, attached to where the main water line enters your home. Moreover, if you have a basement, chances are you will find it there. Garages and utility spaces are also common places to find the shut off valve.

Chances are your main shut off valve will fit one of 2 designs: a  gate valve  or a  ball valve . Gate valves are traditionally what you see on older houses, and tend to be more difficult to close. If this is the kind of valve your house has, it is a good idea to shut it off once or twice just for practice, to see if you can do it in an emergency. Ball valves are more common in newer houses with plastic or copper main water pipes. They look a little different than traditional valves, with more of a handle than a wheel design. In order to close them, you will need to turn the handle clockwise so it’s at a right angle with the pipe.

If you are in the process of purchasing a new house, you should receive a copy of an inspection report. This document should label where the shut off valve is in your home. In some modern residences, you may also have an automatic shut off valve, which should prevent water flow for you.

At Lange Plumbing & Fire Protection, our Las Vegas experts have everything you need to protect your system. Offering  plumbing services  that prevent issues from getting worse and even increase energy efficiency, we’ve got all the modern solutions you need to protect your system. Call 24/7 for emergency service and more.

Lange Plumbing & Fire Protection is available by phone at (702) 500-0936, or you can  contact us online  to request an estimate. Affordable financing options are available.

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