The main shutoff is an important component of any home plumbing system, as it is the only way to completely shut off or turn on the flow of water to your home. The most common issue that arises with main shutoff valves is leaking. A leaky valve may not seem like a big deal, but it can actually end up costing you a ton of money in wasted water and it might even put your home at risk for water damage.

How can you tell if your main shutoff is leaking?

• First, you’ll have to locate your main shutoff. Depending on the design and construction of your home, it may be located outside near the property line or inside, , crawl space, or near the water heater.
• Once you’ve located the main shutoff, take a look at the valve itself. Is there a noticeable leak at or near the base of the valve? Can you see any signs of water or water damage near the main shutoff? These could all indicate a leak.
• If you don’t see any obvious signs of a leak, turn the main shutoff valve to the “off” position. This will stop the flow of water to your home. Relieve pressure in your pipes by turning the shower/tub faucets (both hot and cold) so that they are all the way open.
• Continue turning the faucets throughout your home so that they are open. This will allow any water in the pipes to drain and relieve any residual pressure. Watch the faucets to ensure that they drain completely.
• Once the water supply has been shut off and faucets have been opened and drained, take note if water continues to drip from any faucets. Water flow when the main shutoff is turned off can indicate a main shutoff leak.
• Once you have completed this step, turn the main shutoff back to the “on” position to restore the supply of water to your home. If you noticed any signs of a leak, contact a professional plumber for main shutoff repair or replacement in Phoenix or the nearby areas.

With more than 40 years of experience, All About Water is well-equipped to handle any issue with your main shutoff. Contact us today to learn more or to request an appointment!