Know Where Your Shut-Off Valve Is Located

If you have to stop a water leak in your home the fastest, easiest way is to stop the flow of water into your house. The “shut-off valve” will stop all of the flow of water from the outside water service line into your home.

Knowing WHERE the shut off valve is located in your house can save you from extensive, and expensive, water damage occurring. Often, the shut off valve is located in your garage where your water service line enters your home. The water service line runs from your water meter to your home. Once you locate the shut off valve, conspicuously mark it or paint it a bright color. Show your family members where the shut off valve is so if something happens when you’re not home, they can help prevent further damage. Our technicians will tag your shut off valve for free when they visit your home as part of our unmatched customer service.

Did you know that one of the most common causes of water damage occurs when people are out of the house and a hose to their washing machine bursts? Check the condition of the hoses. Changing to non-bursting hoses on the washer is relatively cheap and easy. There are many hose manufacturers with extensive warranties on their hoses that Beacon can provide and install for you. The incoming line to your washing machine is under constant pressure (if you leave the line turned on when not in use) so a hose that will burst is really just a matter of time. This especially true if you live in a home with high water pressure (PSI). There are many neighborhoods in the Puget Sound area that are well known for PSI in excess of 80 pounds/square/inch. If you live in such a neighborhood, call Beacon to find out what can be done, such as installing a pressure reducing valve (PRV). High PSI can also create problems for your water heater, so the next time Beacon is at your home, your technician will be happy to take the PSI for your home.

Also, when you go on vacation or leave the house unattended for a few days, if you don’t need to have the water to your house left on consider turning the water off a the shut off valve while you’re gone. Then if your instant hot-water device or in-sink water filter faucet springs a leak, you won’t come home to an expensive floor replacement which may or may not be covered by your home owner’s insurance or someone else’s liability insurance. Even if you have a family member or friend come over the house to water the plants inside or outside, show them where the shut valve is and how to turn it on and off.