Hot take: a busted pipe in my basement taught me to always shut off the main water valve first

I was replacing a leaky faucet in my kitchen sink last Tuesday and thought I could just turn off the valves under the sink. One of those old valves snapped clean off, and water started spraying everywhere. I panicked and ran around looking for towels for a solid minute before I remembered the main shutoff in the basement. By the time I got down there, I had a solid puddle on my kitchen floor. Now I go straight for the main valve before I even touch a fixture. Anyone have a good trick for finding those valves fast if you're in a new house?

2 comments

2 Comments

foster.patricia7d ago

Why shut off water to the whole house for one small job? I always test the local valves first with a quick turn on and off. If they feel stiff, I hit them with some penetrating oil and work them loose before I start. That way you know they work and you avoid the hassle of draining the whole system. A main shutoff is a last resort, not a first step.

cameron9637d ago

Old valves can snap off completely when you work them loose, then you're calling a plumber anyway.