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

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.

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

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

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…

If you’re curious about how Mr. Rooter Plumbing performs 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.

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.

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 Valves - 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.

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.