Do you know the location of your Columbus home’s shut-off valves?

You’ve snuck out of town for a romantic weekend when you’re interrupted by a panicked call from one of your teenagers. The water line to the upstairs bathroom has burst, and water is pouring through a hole that has emerged in your kitchen ceiling. Your kids can’t stop the water, and the damage is getting worse. Are you going to have to give up the rest of your time away to race back home and stop the leak? Or are you going to have to track down a reputable plumber?

Critical valves protecting your Columbus home

Every home that receives water service should have a shut-off valve. This valve is nearly always located where the water supply enters the home, often in the crawlspace or basement. Usually, a quick turn or two of the valve is enough to stop water from entering your home, which will stop the leak and allow it to be repaired. The valves are usually easy enough for a child to use, so it’s a good idea to make sure everyone in your home knows where the valve is and how to operate it. If your home has natural gas service, there’s also a valve you can turn to stop the flow of gas in case you smell a leak.

Water can be extraordinarily damaging

When water stays where it belongs, it’s a necessity that helps us live our lives. But when something goes wrong and water starts pouring where it’s not supposed to be, it can cause expensive and long-lasting damage to your Columbus home and its furnishings and floor coverings. Even if help arrives in an hour, literally hundreds of gallons of water can pour into your home during that time. Once you stop the leak, you’ll have to go through all the work of removing the excess water and drying (or discarding) the items that were damaged.

Leaking gas can be deadly

Natural gas, propane, and similar fuels are safe when used correctly. But when a leak or other problem allows those gases to escape, they can pose serious hazards. First, gases are highly flammable. If you have a significant leak, even a small spark (such as what happens when you flip a light switch) can cause the gas to explode and burn. In addition, it’s not safe for humans to breathe natural gas, and large amounts can lead to asphyxiation and even death!

Familiarize the family

Make sure everyone in your home knows where any shut-off valves are located, where they are, and how to use them. Let them close and open the valve to see how it works and feels. Your family members will probably never need to operate the valve, but in a scenario like a home emergency while the couple is away, the kids would know exactly what to do.

Checking your Columbus home’s shut-off valves

Like any kind of valve that’s used only rarely, shut-off valves in Columbus homes may become tight and difficult to turn. They may be affected by corrosion or minerals in the water that build up on surfaces. The danger is that when you need the shut-off valves the most, you might not be able to turn them. That’s why it’s important to operate your shut-off valves at least once a year. Turn them off for a moment, and then turn them back on. Regular movement — even if it’s only once a year — should ensure the valve will turn when you need it most.

Replacing your home’s shut-off valves

If you have an older home, it probably also has an older shut-off value. As noted in the previous paragraph, when components like valves sit unused for a long time, they can become stiff and stubborn to turn. If you’ve never used your home’s shut-off valve, you’ll probably be surprised at how much elbow grease it takes to turn it off. Today’s quarter-turn shut-off valves are easier to use than a bathroom sink. Most can be turned using just your thumb and forefinger.

Who can help me with shut-off valves?

Having trouble using your home’s shut-off valve? Thinking of replacing yours with one of the new and easy-to-use valves? Either way, you’ll find the information and advice you need from a name your neighbors have trusted for years:Johnson Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing. Whether you need a ac repair, furnace maintenance or you need plumbing services they make sure your home and family are comfortable. Why not call them today? Just call (317) 714-0936!