Homeowners should know where the main water shutoff valve is located in their house.
- This valve needs to be exercised at least once a year.
- This is the Valve you use to shut off your water if you are not going to be using your house for long periods of time.
- This is the main shutoff valve on the water line where it enters the house – it is NOT the Talmont RID service valve located at the street.
- It is called a STOP & WASTE valve that is typically located under the floor just inside the outer wall of the house on the side facing the street, and usually has a bar that extends up through the floor with a “T” operating handle.
- These valves are known as “STOP & WASTE” because they have a small weep hole on the side that allows water in the plumbing system to drain out onto the ground when the valve is closed. In this way the plumbing is protected from freezing.
- It is very important that the STOP & WASTE valve is working properly because it is the fastest way to shut-off the water if you have a break or a leak. These valves typically need replacement every 10 years or so.
- If your STOP & WASTE valve needs replacement, please DO NOT WAIT until winter when there is 10 ft. of snow on the ground and expect normal response time and expense for us to locate and shutoff the street valve so that the stop & waste can be replaced. Expect to pay extra for snow removal and location/shutoff, at plumber’s rates.
- The street valve belongs to Talmont RID and is NOT to be operated by the homeowner – operating one will expose the homeowner to liability.
- Please allow a two-day notice for a shut-off request (unless it’s a true emergency).