Spout Off

by Billy Aldridge

Last week we talked about bathrooms from around the world. Even though water shut off valves are not as glamorous and sexy as high tech bathrooms they are probably more important to the average consumer. Face it, if you have ever had a waterline break start spouting a geyser in the kitchen, bathroom or anywhere else in your home you know exactly what I’m talking about. The first thing to do when something like this occurs is to reach for the nearest shut off valve and hope that the valve closes all the way. If it doesn’t you have to find the main shut off valve and deal with the mess afterwards. This is why I chose this topic today. You'd be surprised at how many people don't know where their shut off valves are located, let alone whether they operate properly.  Hopefully we can prevent disaster from happening to you with just a few simple tips. Here they are.

Main Shut Off Valve

In a real emergency you and your family members need to know where the main shut off valve is located. This is extremely important because when all else fails such as the shut off valve under the sink refusing to 

English: Ball valve used in commercial water applications. Sometimes referred to as a ball valve valve. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

close or it won’t turn at all, you will need to go to the main shut off valve to stop the waterspout. This will shut off all the water throughout the entire house. If you cannot find the main shut off valve you should be able to locate it by reading your home inspection paperwork that you received when you purchased your home. Also a quick call to your local plumber may be able to guide you to its location if you can’t find your home inspection paperwork.

There are three types of shut off valves: Gate Valve, Stop Valve and Ball Valve. Since these are the most important shut off valves in your home, you need to know where they are located and what to do to stop the flow. Ideally you can stop the flood at its location so you won’t have to rush to the main shut off outside. If you would like to know more about these valves you can go to http://www.startribune.com/local/yourvoices/179261121.html

THREE SIMPLE STEPS

1. 1.      Locate all your interior shut off valves throughout the house. You will find them under your bathroom sink, near the base of your toilets, under the kitchen sink, as well as where your hoses hook up for your washing machine.
2. You should open and close each of these valves at least once per year.
3.  Should the valve only close part way, try spraying a little WD 40 below the handle and then turn the water off and back on. 
4. If any valve refuses to budge, spray WD-40 on the valve and allow it to sit for at least 30 minutes. 
5. If that still doesn't do the trick you will need to use a screwdriver to loosen the bonnet nut located where the shaft meets the valve body.. Try to work the nut loose gradually.  Forcing it could result in snapping off the shaft. Turn the valve once the bonnet nut is loose. 
6. Beyond that you will need to contact a plumber since the next step is to use a torch.

SUMMARY

     I hope this blog helps save you from having to recover from a lot of water damage to your home which can occur anywhere you have a plumbing leak.  Just remember that in order to keep your home in tip top condition you need to maintain the plumbing. Thank you for reading this article. Any comments or posts will certainly be appreciated. 

Billy Aldridge is one of the Doctors of Plumbology at Aldridge and Sons Plumbing in Jacksonville, Florida.  Visit their site for more helpful tips and how-to videos at 
http://plumbers-jacksonville-fl.com