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Do You Know How to Shut Off a Valve in an Emergency?
You should always know where your valves are located, especially your gas valves. If you don’t know where your gas valves are located you should have a plumber show you where there are next time you have one in your house.
Here are a few pictures of some common vales.
- Gas cock valve – usually located by appliances
- Ball valve – Can be used for gas or water. You can usually find them around your water heater or water pipes.
- The old version of gas valve – This is what they used to look like. However, if you have a house that is older than 10 years you will probably have one of those in your house. They will be around your water heater and appliances. Spray some diluted soapy water around the fitting and see, if you can see bubbles come up. That is a sign for a leak in the old valve.
- Angle-stop: This valve can come in different colors or metal types and is used for water supply. You can usually find them under your sinks or toilets. You can turn them to shut off your water, if you have a leak.
Once you have located all of you major shut off valve, you should run an emergency test. Try to turn all of the valves off and back on. Do they all turn or do you have trouble getting them to turn? Do they spring a leak when you try to turn them?
If you can’t turn them easily or if they are starting to leak, you need to consult a professional plumber.
Any problems with your valves call us at 650 323 3112.
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