Testing and Replacing Water Shut-Off Valves

<img src="https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/dcr-apis/wp_contents/uploads/DCR-ADMIN/AdobeStock_422605011.webp" alt="undefined" style="height: ;width: "/> Originally written by Brad Hatch of Brad’s Plumbing One important aspect of plumbing maintenance is routinely testing the water shut-off valves in your home. All sinks and toilets have individual shut-off valves, which allow the water to be easily turned off when repairs are needed or leaks occur. Over time, a shut-off valve can freeze up if it isn’t used, which renders it inoperable when it’s needed. Routine testing will prevent this by keeping your shut-off valves in working condition. Locating your shut-off valves is easy. For a sink, the two shut-off valves (one for hot, one for cold) are located at the wall beneath the basin sink; simply open your under-sink cabinet to find them. For a toilet, the shut-off valve is located at the wall nearby. To test a shut-off valve, turn the handle all the way to the left and then attempt to operate the fixture. If it ceases to produce water, you know the valve is working properly. If one or more of your shut-off valves needs to be replaced, consider upgrading to a newer style known as a “quick turn” shut-off valve. Whereas a conventional valve requires several turns of the handle to completely shut off the water, a quick turn valve can do it with a mere quarter-turn. Besides allowing for faster shut-off, quick turn valves’ superior design and construction make them much less likely to freeze up and have problems. <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/" target="_self">Use Diamond Certified Resource to find top rated companies</a> Local, Top Rated Diamond Certified Companies Related to Your Topic <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/san-francisco-plumbing/" target="_self">San Francisco Plumbers</a> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/santa-clara-plumbing/" target="_self">Santa Clara County Plumbers</a> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/solano-plumbing/" target="_self">Solano County Plumbers</a> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/marin-plumbing/" target="_self">Marin County Plumbers</a> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/alameda-plumbing/" target="_self">Alameda County Plumbers</a> Related Articles <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/Guide/Plumbing/" target="_self">The Homeowner's Guide to Plumbing, Septic Systems & Gas Lines</a> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/find-expert-advice/" target="_self">Get Expert Advice From Owners of Top Rated Local Companies</a> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/membership/" target="_self">Become a Diamond Certified Preferred Member (Always Free)</a>