Do You Need Help with Your Outside Water Shut-Off Valve?

Contact Mr. Rooter Plumbing with all your main water shut-off valve queries and concerns.

A residential water shut-off valve, also known as an emergency water shut-off valve, is a valve that enables you to turn off the water supply to your home. This valve can be helpful if you need to perform plumbing work or have a plumbing emergency. Skilled plumbers can carry out necessary repairs and maintenance without worrying about water damage!

It’s clear to see just how valuable a water shut-off valve can be, so what if something goes wrong with it? When you require mains water valve services, Mr. Rooter Plumbing is the team to call.

Home Water Shut Off Valve Services

Our licensed and insured service professionals are here to provide a reputable shut-off valve service you can trust. Whether you need to repair a leaking valve or replace an old, broken water shut-off valve, Mr. Rooter Plumbing is here to help.

Contact us to learn more about:

• Performing water shut-off valve installations in older homes
• Repairing leaking valves that don’t completely shut off the water
• Replacing an irreparable, rusty, or corroded mains water valve
• How to shut off main water valves
• How to find water shut-off valves
• Other related services…

Mr. Rooter Plumbing’s Main Water Shut-Off Valve Services

You can leave water main shut-off valve repairs and replacement in the capable hands of your locally owned and operated Mr. Rooter Plumbing. If you’re curious about how we perform your residential water shut-off valve services, we typically follow these steps:

1. Close the exterior shut-off point or well pump
2. Drain the pipes to prevent water damage
3. Carry out the replacement or repair using high-quality tools and technologies

Where we switch off your home’s water supply can depend on how you access your water. Most homes have two points: a water shut-off valve and an exterior shut-off point. You will likely have a shut-off valve where your pipes meet the municipal supply line. If you have a well, we will turn off the water at your well pump.

How to Know Your Water Shut-Off Valve is Leaking

Most licensed and insured service professionals recommend performing regular inspections of residential main water shut-off valves to ensure they’re functioning at their best. At least twice per year is encouraged.

However, many homeowners only check their water valves when they suspect a leak. If you’re not sure that your water shut-off valve is leaking, the following signs may confirm your suspicions:

Dampness or Visible Water

If there is water or dampness around your mains water valve or the pipes connected to it, a leak may be present.

Your Water Meter is Still Moving

Leaks don’t always present themselves straight away. However, you may confirm the presence of one by checking your water meter. Turn off all appliances and fixtures that use water. If the meter is still moving, your plumbing system may be leaking.

You Hear Dripping or Hissing

Once you’re within listening distance of your main water shut-off valve, listen out for unusual sounds. Hissing, dripping, or similar may indicate water leaking out of your valve.

Your Water Pressure Is Inconsistent

Water pressure fluctuations can sometimes be a sure sign that your main shut-off valve is leaking and not fully sealing.

Residential Main Water Shut-Off Valve Outside FAQs

It’s okay not to know much about your outside mains water valve, including how to find and use it. Rest assured, not having all the information now doesn’t mean you never will! Mr. Rooter Plumbing is here to ensure you’re well-informed. You can read the answers to some of our more commonly asked questions below.

Have other burning questions about your main water shut-off valve? Contact your locally owned Mr. Rooter Plumbing today.

Where is the Water Shut Off Valve Located?

Every property is different regarding where you’ll locate your water shut-off valve. It can be in a variety of places! However, some locations are certainly more common than others. If you need to turn your main water supply off soon, you may find your valve in one of the following locations:

1. Near the Main Water Supply Line

Look near your main water supply line. This line generally enters your home through the utility room, crawl space, or basement.

2. In Your Basement or Utility Room

Identify where your main water pipe enters your home – often along the basement or utility room wall. Look for a round, wheel-style valve or a lever-type valve.

3. In Your Home’s Crawl Space

If your home has a crawl space, you may locate your main valve along the water pipe where it enters the crawl space. Look for a visible and accessible valve in this area.

4. In a Water Meter Box

If your property has a water meter box, take a look inside. These are typically located near the front or side of houses. Sometimes, emergency shut-off water valves are located inside!

5. Near Your Outdoor Faucet

Look near an outdoor faucet on the exterior wall of your house. You may find your home main water shut-off valve nearby.

6. Around Your Water Heater

While not typically common, some main water valves are installed near water heaters for convenience during regular maintenance and emergencies.

7. In the Bathroom or Kitchen

Some properties have secondary shut-off valves. If you know your property does, but you can’t locate it, look in the bathroom and kitchen. Near toilets and under sinks are common locations.

Who Is Responsible for Replacing Main Water Shut-Off Valves?

As most homeowners own the water service line from the shut-off valve near their property line to their home, they are also responsible for replacing the main water shut-off valves. In fact, they are typically responsible for all mains valve maintenance, repairs, and replacements.

How to Turn Off the Main Water Valve

Not everyone knows how to turn off the main water valve to their property. While every property is different, you can generally follow the steps below:

1. Locate the main water valve
2. Identify the type of valve – gate, ball, and globe are all common types
3. Turn off the valve. You can turn off a gate valve and globe valve by turning the valve handle clockwise. If you have a ball valve, turn the lever handle 90 degrees until it’s perpendicular to the pipe. If it’s a horizontal ball valve, turn it so it’s pointing up and down.
4. Check the valve – make sure it’s fully closed and check for leaks

How to Replace Water Shut-Off Valves

Replacing main water shut-off valves can be a multi-step process that is best left in the capable hands of the experts. Most experienced plumbing professionals take these steps to replace water shut-off valves:

1. Purchase a new replacement valve
2. Detach the water supply lines
3. Remove the old water shut-off valve
4. Prepare the pipe
5. Install the new valve

How to Know It’s Time to Replace Your Main Water Shut-Off Valve

Since a well-maintained main water shut-off valve is essential for a well-functioning plumbing system, knowing when to replace it can be crucial. Now might be the right time to contact your locally owned and operated Mr. Rooter Plumbing if you can relate to these signs:

The Valve Feels Stuck or Difficult to Turn

When you have a plumbing emergency, being able to quickly and effortlessly turn your mains valve off and on can be crucial. Now might be the right time to replace your main water valve if it feels stuck or is difficult to turn. This can sometimes indicate that the valve has corroded and is old.

You See Rust or Corrosion

Rust and corrosion can greatly compromise the integrity of your main water shut-off valve. Don’t delay in replacing your valve before you need to rely on it.

It’s Leaking

Whether you have a steady stream of water or a small drip coming out of your water shut-off valve, now is the right time to consider replacement. Minor leaks can turn into significant ones before long. What’s more, leaks can contribute to a higher-than-average water bill.

You Notice Damage

While a mains valve might be working at its best, noticeable damage may see you exploring replacement as a just-in-case measure. Cracks, dents, and bulges can all mean your water shut-off valve is at risk of failure in the future.

You Have Flow and Pressure Issues

Many factors can contribute to a home having water flow and pressure issues. However, a mains valve can be one such factor. Sometimes, these issues can indicate that a shut-off valve is damaged or partially blocked.

You’ve Had to Repair It Multiple Times

While repairs can be a cost-effective way to take care of your plumbing systems, they aren’t always cost-effective in the long run. Multiple repair attempts may indicate that your valve is old, broken, and in need of replacement.

It’s No Longer Working

You may be on the phone with Mr. Rooter Plumbing for emergency services sooner than you think if your main water valve is non-functioning. If it doesn’t turn off or on properly, contact your local service professional without delay.

Water Shut-Off Valve and Supply Line Types

If you’re in the process of replacing your water shut-off valve, it doesn’t hurt to learn more about your available options. Service professionals install many different types of water shut-off valves!

Multi-Turn Shut-Off Valves

Multi-turn shut-off valves have handles and rubber gaskets. When they’re tightened, the rubber gasket is forced onto a seat in the middle of the valve to restrict water. By loosening the handle, water can flow freely through the valve.

Quarter-Turn Valves

Quarter-turn valves have handles on valve stems. When you twist the handle, a steel ball with a hole in the center pivots. In the open position, water can flow through the hole easily. When you turn the handle by a quarter turn in the other direction, the water flow stops.

Straight Stop Valves

Straight stop valves have aligned inlets and outlets. If your supply line comes through your floor, you likely have a straight stop valve.

Angle Valve

If you have supply lines coming through your walls, you may have an angle valve. These are valves with outlets sitting at a 90-degree angle from the supply line.

Cross-Linked Polyethylene (PEX)

PEX supply lines work with shut-off valves featuring push-to-connect (PTC), barbed, or compression fittings. Compression fittings can be connected with homeowner tools, while PTC connections require no special tools. If you have barbed fittings, you will likely need a crimp ring and crimping tool.

Copper

Copper supply lines typically work with PTC, sweat, and compression fittings. You must solder sweat fittings onto copper pipes.

Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride (CPVC)

You can use CPVC supply lines with valves featuring PTC or threaded connections.

Galvanized Steel

If you have galvanized steel pipes, you can screw female iron pipe (FIP) connections onto your supply line.

Common Shut-Off Valve Materials

Whether you’re browsing your local hardware store or quizzing up your local plumber, it doesn’t hurt to know what your shut-off valve to your property is made of. Most residential plumbing systems have brass valves. They are both reliable and durable.

However, if you have low-pressure, low-temperature systems, such as ice makers, aquariums, or reverse osmosis systems, your local plumber may recommend plastic or polypropylene valves.

Why Choose Mr. Rooter Plumbing’ for Main Water Shut-Off Valve Services

While you might be more than capable of turning your main water valve on and off, handling repairs and replacements can be a job for the experts! If your mains valve is no longer working at its best, contact Mr. Rooter Plumbing for comprehensive water shut-off valve services.

Homeowners choose Mr. Rooter Plumbing for some of the following reasons:

• Licensed and insured service professionals
• Locally owned and operated
• Upfront pricing
• Courtesy and professionalism
• Flexible appointment times
• 24/7 call answering
• Guaranteed parts and workmanship
• In-home estimates*
• Flat rate pricing*

*Not available at all locations. Contact your local Mr. Rooter Plumbing for more information.

Our customers also appreciate how we:

• Arrive on time
• Keep your property clean
• Provide a price before we start work
• Deliver high-quality repairs
• Stand behind our work