As a homeowner, it’s very important that you know what to do during a plumbing emergency. Depending on the problem, you may need to turn off your home’s main water supply. You may also need to adjust settings on water-using appliances (e.g., dishwasher, refrigerator, washing machine, water heater, etc.). Here at Crystal Blue Plumbing, Heating & Air, we help homeowners like you every day with their plumbing issues. We know emergencies can happen at any time, so we’ve put together a helpful guide on what to do in a plumbing crisis.

What Qualifies as a Plumbing Emergency?

There are lots of things that can go wrong with your plumbing. If you don’t address them quickly, your home might experience major water damage. Plumbing crises also cause frustrating disruptions to your daily routine as you struggle with leaks, flooding, or lack of access to water. Some problems may even pose health and safety risks.

Failing Water Heater

A lot of plumbing emergencies stem from leaky fixtures or appliances. A failing water heater, for example, can lead to flooding and also increase the risk of scalding water exposure.

Overflowing Toilet

An overflowing toilet will leave behind a slippery and unsanitary mess in the bathroom. If not cleaned up immediately, the water may seep into the walls and flooring, leading to expensive damage and mold growth. Shutting off the home’s main water supply is key in these situations to avoid widespread flooding and costly repairs.

Sewer Backups

Sewer backups are another type of plumbing emergency that will require immediate attention. When wastewater fails to drain properly from your home, it can back up into sinks, bathtubs, and toilets. The longer this problem goes unaddressed, the more harmful bacteria will start building up in your house. This issue can also cause foul odors to spread throughout your home, making it uncomfortable and unsanitary. Clogged sewer lines, tree root intrusions, and municipal sewer system problems are the usual culprits behind sewer backups.

Pipe Leaks

Pipe leaks not only cause water pressure problems but also increase mold growth. The spreading of mold throughout a home can translate into worse allergy and asthma symptoms for people who have these illnesses. There are lots of possible reasons for water leaks, including corrosion, high water pressure, poor pipe installation, and physical damage. Shutting off the water supply and contacting a professional emergency plumber is the best thing to do in any plumbing crisis.

Step-by-Step Guide for Shutting Off the Main Water Supply

Shutting off the main water supply to your house doesn’t have to be hassle. You can follow the four steps listed below to ensure you safely turn off the water until a plumber arrives.

Locate the Main Shutoff Valve

The first step is to find the main water valve, which is usually close to the water meter. In some older homes, the valve may be in a basement, crawl space, or garage. It is likely to be along an external wall. Those living in warmer regions like the Sacramento area may find the valve outside under a shed or next to the hone’s foundation. A wise homeowner will locate this valve well in advance when nothing is wrong so they know precisely where to go in an urgent situation.

Turn Off the Valve

Once you locate the valve, you’ll need to turn it off. The best way to do this depends on the type of valve. For a wheel valve, you’ll rotate it clockwise until it stops. For ball valves, you’ll need to turn the handle 90 degrees until it sits perpendicular to the pipe.

Drain the Pipes

Once you have the main water supply turned off, it’s a good idea to drain the pipes, which is easy. Just turn on a faucet and let any remaining water run out. This relieves pressure in the system and prevents water from spilling out everywhere once an expert begins the plumbing repair process.

Verify the Water Is Off

Once you drain the pipes, you can then turn off the faucet you’ve been using, go to another faucet in the home, and turn it on. If no water comes out, the pipes are fully drained.

Appliance Shutoff Process

Turning off the home’s main water supply during a plumbing crisis is a great way to prevent damage and minimize the cost of repairs. However, you may also need to turn off the water supply at the affected appliance itself to stop further water flow and limit additional damage. Here are some tips to help you safely shut off the water supply for different appliances.

Water Heater

On most water heaters, you can usually find the cold-water supply valve toward the top. Switch it to the “Off” position to disconnect the water supply. It typically comes in the form of a ball valve or a gate valve. Just make sure to be very careful since hot water heaters can be dangerous to work on and around.

Toilet

You can find the water shutoff valve for a toilet either behind or next to it, usually on the wall but sometimes on the floor. This valve regulates the flow of water into the tank. Turning the valve clockwise will stop the flow of water. A plumber will make sure to turn the valve back on once the repair process is over.

Dishwasher

You can usually find the water shutoff valve for a dishwasher either beneath the sink or close to the appliance. On the water pipe that goes to the dishwasher, you should see a valve. To shut off the water, turn the valve clockwise.

Refrigerator

If your fridge has an ice maker or water dispenser, the water line shutoff valve is probably underneath the sink or behind the appliance. In most cases, you’ll find the valve near the point where the water main connects to the wall. Simply turn the valve clockwise to stop the flow of water.

Washing Machine

There are usually two shutoff valves on a washing machine: one for the hot water and one for the cold water. In the majority of setups, you’ll find these valves at the point where the hoses attach to the wall, which is normally behind the washing machine. Turning both valves clockwise will switch off the water supply.

Sprinkler System

There is usually a separate valve for the sprinkler system that regulates the water flow. You’ll most likely find this valve in an easily accessible outside spot or next to the water meter. To turn off the water supply, find the valve and crank it clockwise until it closes.

Whole-Home Humidifiers

Many whole-home humidifiers connect directly to a home’s main water supply. You’ll need to find the water line valve that supplies the humidifier; it’s usually near the furnace or air handler. Once you find it, turn the valve clockwise to shut off the water supply.

Crystal Blue Plumbing, Heating & Air has over 40 years of industry experience helping homeowners in plumbing crises. Our professional plumbing services include drain and sewer services, backflow prevention, slab leak repairs, and much more. Our number one goal is to ensure you have access to professional plumbing services when you need them most. Call us at Crystal Blue Plumbing, Heating & Air in Loomis, CA for emergency plumbing services anywhere in the Sacramento area.