Plumbing Emergency? Turn off the shut off valve!

Every house has a shut off valve, turning off the water where it enters the home. With this valve turned off, water will not flow to your house. If there is a major water issue somewhere in the house that you cannot control, this valve will turn off the water at the source.

This valve is often located near the water meter.  In Salem, this is normally found on or near the sidewalk in front of your home. If you have well water, it will be located near the pressure tank. It's not always easy to find the main shut off valve in the middle of a plumbing emergency, so make sure you locate yours in advance.

If you cannot locate your shut off valve, contact South Salem Plumbing to find it for you. Or you can also ask a neighbor who has a similar home where theirs is located in their home. Yours will probably be in the same spot.

To turn off the water, turn the valve clockwise.

Turning off this main shut off valve is the first way to handle a plumbing emergency.

Each sink in your home has a shutoff valve as well. The water to a sink can be turned off by turning this valve counter clockwise. The valve is usually located under the sink in the cabinet.

Water Valve to Toilet

Toilets also have a shut off valve. They are located on the pipe at the back of the toilet and are usually visible. Look for a silver knob and turn it to shut off the water.

Water Valve to the Washing Machine

Every washing machine also has a shut off valve. This can come in handy should your washing machine drain get plugged and the water begins to overflow.

This shut off valve is located behind the washing machine. It is a major water line and looks like a faucet handle.

After the Water is Off - Call South Salem Plumbing! (503) 371-2401