Water damage in a home can be extremely costly, especially if there is a leak that no one knows how to stop. You don't have to be a plumber to locate and shut off the main water valve to your house, but time is money so knowing before an emergency is key. Colorado's Rapid Restoration and Construction actually recommends that even the able children in the home are aware if something were to happen unexpectedly. Educating the entire family could be the difference between a couple hundred dollars to thousands in damage repair.
There are to types of water valves in a house, the main water valve which allows water to flow to the entire property, and fixture valves which control a specific component, like a toilet. Knowing where all the different valves in your home are and their purpose will help to better assess a problem, saving time and money.
Traditionally in colder climates, the main water valve will be located in the basement, crawlspace, or a utility closet. However, it is possible the valve would be located outside the home in the yard or near a sidewalk. If you are unsure about where to look, you can call your local water or utilities company and ask for more information. Once you locate the valve, spend a little time familiarizing yourself and your family by testing it. This is especially important if the valve has not been used in a while and needs cleaning or replacing to be operational. Once the water is shut off, go inside and turn both the hot and cold handles to the closest faucet on and ensure it worked. There will be a steady flow of water until the pipes have cleared so give it a couple minutes. If there is still dripping after several minutes, the valve may not be closing completely and you may need to consult a professional. When you are ready to turn the water back on be sure to do so very slowly while the air releases from the pipes and the water pressure returns to normal.
As for fixture valves, you can usually spot them along the exposed pipes beneath the fixture. If it appears to be an isolated leak or issue, shutting off the water to the specific componet can buy you time while allowing water to remain in the rest of the house.
If you are uncomfortable performing any of the maintenance yourself, hiring a professional to avoid problems in the future is worth the money up front. When looking for a reputable plumber, ask friends, read reviews, or talk to your Realtor about who they recommend.
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