How to Locate and Shut Off Toilet Water Supply

You can minimize water damage by stopping an overflowing toilet. Most new toilets are equipped with a local shut off valve—this switch allows you to stop water from reaching your toilet in seconds. Use this About.com home improvement video to locate the shut-off valve on your own toilet.





The shut-off valve is typically located below or beside the toilet tank. The valve should be connected to the main water line leading to and from your toilet. Turn the valve clockwise to shut off water and counterclockwise to restart the flow of water after plumbing repairs are complete.

Shut off the water immediately if your home sprouts a leak or backup. Then, get in touch with Beacon Plumbing, Heating & Mechanical for 24-hour emergency plumbing service. We can be reached by phone at (206) 452-4363 or through our website.


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Stop! 4 Things That Should Never Go Down the Drain

Most serious clogs are actually caused by homeowners. Kitchen and bathroom drains aren’t meant to deal with large, man-made objects. In fact, almost any type of consumer product and many processed foods can cause a serious back-up. Use this list of problem items to avoid major drain clogs at home.

1. Thick Fluids: Several liquids used in cooking, such as grease and viscous oils, are washed down the drain after cooking. Unfortunately, these slow-moving liquids will dry and solidify within your pipes. This is enough to catch other solids and create a large clog.

2. Stringy Foods: Numerous foods, such as pasta and raw meat, are easily caught in drain systems. These types of food are especially problematic for garbage disposals blades. Try to toss long and stringy foodstuffs into the garbage instead of risking your drain.

3. Small Objects: Toothpicks, small pieces of paper, and even plastic wrap are regularly washed down the drain. Each of these objects is large enough to get caught in your drain and begin a problematic buildup. Equip your sinks with a metal strainer to catch larger objects before they head down the drain.

4. Harmful Chemicals: Hazardous substances can corrode your pipes, damage the nearby ecosystem, and contaminate city water supplies. Be sure to check the markings on all cleaning solutions you bring into your home. Each product should indicate if the substance is safe for your drain.

Regular drain cleanings can help protect your home from inconvenient clogs. Contact Beacon Plumbing, Heating & Mechanical today at (206) 452-4363 to schedule an inspection of your drain. A bit of preventative maintenance can protect your home from serious plumbing problems in the future.

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Expand Your Knowledge about Your Home's Sewer Line and Drains When You Visit the Resources Below

A reliable plumbing repair company can eliminate sewer drain problems in a flash. You can trust Beacon Plumbing, Heating & Mechanical to solve plumbing problems in your Seattle home. Call us today at (206) 452-4363 for an immediate solution to any drain, sewer line, or water heater problem.

• This USAToday.com article explores how dirt and grease are hampering Seattle sewers.

• Popular Mechanics has helpful suggestions for dealing with smelly drains.

• Use this MesaAZ.gov resource to minimize drain odors in your home.

• Log on to ThisOldHouse.com for helpful winter plumbing maintenance tips.

• KingCounty.gov has an official list of items to keep out of your drain.


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Backed-Up Plumbing? Here's What to Do Before Calling a Plumber

Backed-up sewage lines can cause damage to your home and carry health risks for your family. Fast action is required when plumbing begins to back up into your home. Follow this set of sewage backup tips to minimize the impacts of this annoying plumbing problem.

• Clear Bathroom Space: Sewage is full of dangerous and infectious bacteria. You can protect your property from exposure to these germs by clearing the bathroom space as soon as a backup begins. Remove rugs, waste bins, and any other items that haven’t been exposed to sewage water. An open bathroom space will also be helpful for plumbers once they arrive to solve the problem.

• Turn Shut-Off Valve: Your next step after clearing the bathroom space is to stop the backup. Start by locating the local shut-off valve attached to the toilet. If the valve fails to stop the flow of sewage, move to the main water shut-off valve. You can start the water again once the visiting plumber gives you the all-clear.

• Locate Water Intrusion: Water, especially the liquid expelled by sewage backup, can cause severe damage to your home. Be sure to note and record all the sections of your home that are impacted by the sewage flooding. This information will be vital to your plumber, insurance company, and remediation specialists you eventually work with.

• Contact Home Insurance: Your insurance company should be notified of the water backup immediately. Severe flooding will require the help of water damage specialists, and you’ll want your insurance company to pay those costs. Your insurance company may cover your plumbing costs as well.

Beacon Plumbing, Heating & Mechanical can be reached at 24-hours a day to deal with plumbing back-ups. Contact us at (206) 452-4363 for immediate repairs or on our website for service information. We also service commercial and industrial locations.

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