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Emergency Water Shutoff Checklist for Homeowners

  Emergency Water Shutoff Checklist for Homeowners When water begins to leak or flood, the first priority is often stopping the flow. For homeowners, knowing how to shut off your water supply quickly—and where to find the correct valve—can significantly limit property damage and reduce repair costs.   This emergency water shutoff checklist is designed to be used in real-world, time-sensitive situations. Keep it somewhere visible, and practice the steps at least once so you’re not figuring it out during an incident.   1) Identify the right shutoff valve   Start by confirming which shutoff controls your home. In many residences, the main shutoff is located near where the water line enters the house—commonly in a basement, crawl space, garage, utility closet, or near an exterior wall. If you have a separate meter area or property shutoff, make sure you know the difference.   If you can’t immediately locate the valve, do ... Read more »

Burst Pipe: What to Do While Waiting for a Plumber

 Burst Pipe: What to Do While Waiting for a Plumber

Burst Pipe: What to Do While Waiting for a Plumber


A burst pipe is a true time-sensitive emergency. Water can spread behind walls, under floors, and into electrical areas before you even notice the source. While you wait for a plumber, your goal is to stop the flow, prevent additional damage, and keep everyone safe.

 

1) Stop the water immediately

 

If the pipe has burst, locate the home’s main shutoff valve and turn it off as quickly as possible. If you can’t find it right away, shut off the water at the nearest fixture shutoff (if one exists) or the closest isolation valve to the damaged line.

 

Once water is off, open a faucet at the lowest point in the home to relieve pressure and help drain residual water from the lines. Then avoid running more water while repairs are pending.

 

2) Reduce damage and protect what you can

 

Move valuables and electronics away from the leak path. If water is pooling, use tow ... Read more »

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