If steps are not taken to mitigate it, water leaking from a faucet or appliance can lead to water damage. The first step after a leak is discovered is to locate the cause of the leak and turn the water off at the source. Finding the source of the water can require a small amount of detective work as there are a few different places the water could be originating from. The source of a severe water leak may include a damaged main water valve, water heater, or water meter. To help you prevent water damage, we have created an outline of how to turn off the water in your house. In addition, we have organized a list of tips to help you respond to various types of water leaks.
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Ways to Deactivate the Water In Your Living Space to Stop Water Damage
The Water Heater
If the leak is originating at the water heater, shutting off the valve here should stop the flow of water. Water heaters have separate valves for hot water and cold water. Both are located near the heater and color-coded: red for hot and blue for cold. Turning off the blue valve prevents water from coming into the heater while shutting off the red valve prevents water from leaving the heater.
An Appliance
Refrigerators, washers, ice machines, and dishwashers all use water, and can all experience leaks. If there is water near an appliance, shut off the water to that appliance to attempt to resolve the problem. All appliances and faucets have water shut-off valves to stop the flow of water to that appliance. This shut-off valve is typically located near the appliance, but specific locations vary. The water should stop flowing if the appliance was the cause of the leak in your house. If water is still dripping, or you cannot find the shut-off valve, try turning off the main water valve.
The Main Water Valve
The main water valve provides water to your home from the water meter. You should be able to access the main water supply line from either a utility closet near the main water line or on the exterior of your home. The main water valve can be used to turn the water on or off in your house. However, the valve is large and can be tricky to close—since it most likely never gets turned off. Turning this valve off prevents the faucets and appliances in your home from receiving water.
At the Water Meter
The last method that can be utilized to turn off the water in your living space is the water meter. Inside the water meter, there are two valves: one closer to your home and one closest to the street. Since homeowners are not encouraged to handle the valve belonging to the city, this is the last method you should pursue.
What to Do After Discovering Water Damage In Your Home
Water damage not only affects your property, but it disrupts your daily routine. The restoration process can seem overwhelming, which is why it’s important to contact a professional water damage restoration company that can provide reliable service.
Here are four things you should do after water surges into your home.
1. Take Necessary Safety Precautions
The safety of anyone living in the home always comes first. Here is how you can stay safe.
- Turn off the electricity. If you would need to cross the water to turn off the electricity, wait for a professional to arrive on-site.
- Wear protective gear like rubber boots and gloves when it is safe to re-enter.
- Document all damage.
- Protect your belongings by removing anything that could get damaged.
2. Start Repairing As Soon As Possible
Turn the water off at the main water shut off valve or appliance prior to starting the restoration project in your house. Drywall or flooring may need to be removed. Furniture may need to be replaced depending on the severity of the water damage. A professional water damage restoration company can provide removal and repair services to lessen any further damage.
3. Prevent Mold
24 hours is all mold needs to grow after water damage. Taking immediate action by calling a mold remediation company can help stop mold growth in its tracks. The right company will take the proper steps to dry the affected areas, eliminate mold growth, and prevent future spores.
4. Restore Salvageable Items
While not everything may be saved from water damage, hiring an experienced restoration company ensures that salvageable items are properly disinfected and cleansed using commercial-grade cleaners.
Trust the Experts in Water Damage Restoration Services
The professionals at Dry Force are your resource for flooding and severe water damage. Our team of technicians offer reliable water damage restoration services in Houston, TX and other areas. Return your home to its pre-loss state with advanced water extraction tools and high-tech equipment. In addition, our team provides other types of restoration solutions such as storm damage repair, mold remediation, flood damage restoration, and roof leak maintenance.
Whether your property has been affected by burst pipes, appliance leaks, or overflowing plumbing, Dry Force can complete the water damage cleanup process quickly and efficiently. Put your home in IICRC-certified and experienced hands. Request your water damage restoration service online or by calling (877) 589-7504.