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4 Different Types Of Shut-Off Valves: Tips From Your Plumber | Myrtle Beach, SC
When dealing with a leak or a burst, the first thing that you want to do is turn off the water. You want to do this before you even call a plumber in Myrtle Beach, SC, as it is definitely more important to prevent more water from leaking or flooding into your home. Knowing how to shut off the water and where to find the shut-off valves is imperative, which is why most plumbers recommend homeowners to take a quick look around their home when they first move in.
The type of water shut-off valves that are installed in your home will vary depending on the plumbing design. If you do not know how to find these valves or do not know how to turn off the water in your home, contact a plumbing professional for more information. With that said, this article will look at four different types of shut-off valves that you can often find in the home.
#1. An Outdoor Main Shut-Off Valve
This is one of the easiest water shut-off valves to find. It will completely prevent any water from entering your home. If you are ever confused about where to start, turn off this water shut-off valve before the plumber in Myrtle Beach, SC can arrive.
This type of valve is usually as simple as it comes. It is usually exposed and is something that you need to turn by hand although some valves do require the use of a special tool to turn off. This tool is often known as a “key”. If you don’t have a key, a wrench or channel-type pliers will usually do the trick. In some older homes, this valve may be buried in something that’s called a buffalo box. With that said, you’ll usually be able to find this valve next to a water meter.
#2. A Partial House Shut-Off Valve
You might also find partial health shut-off valves in medium to large size homes. These valves allow a plumber to turn off the water to only a section of the home so that other areas are not affected. For example, if there is a problem with the downstairs washroom or a bathroom, the plumber can use this type of valve to prevent water from entering only that area while they are working. As a result, those who use other parts of the home, like another washroom, will not be affected and can go about their day.
In general, these types of shut-off valves are found in pairs: one controls hot water while the other regulates cold water. When shutting off water to a section of the home, you want to make sure that you turn off both pairs.
If you don’t know where to look, you might not realize that your home has these valves at all. If that’s the case, ask a plumber the next time that they stop by. They should be able to point out where all of these valves are located.
#3. Fixture Shut-Off Valves
These valves are also some of the most common ones that you’ll ever find. They’re also called stop valves and regulate water to specific plumbing appliances and fixtures, like a laundry machine, a toilet, or a faucet. You’ll want to use these valves to turn off the water to a certain appliance if it is malfunctioning. For example, let’s say that water is constantly dripping out of one faucet, turn off the water by shutting off this valve.
Like with partial house shut-off valves, these valves also often come in pairs. One is for the hot water and the other is for the cold water. With that said, some appliances may only have one valve. For example icemakers and toilets usually only have a cold water valve. These valves can be a lot of help when dealing with plumbing issues that affect only one appliance or fixture.
#4. Saddle Valves
Last but not least, we have saddle valves. These valves are usually used to bring water to a low-demand fixture like an ice maker or a hot water dispenser. More often than not, there’s a good chance that you won’t find this type of valve in your home.
Many people mistake this valve as the solution to turning off the water supply to an appliance, but it’s not. While it can make a difference, it does not completely stop water from making its way down the plumbing. As a result, most plumbers will recommend that you find the closest shut-off valve instead to ensure that water can’t continue to flood out from the leak.
Call a Plumber to Deal with Leaks, Bursts, and Floods
Once you turned off the water supply, give Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Myrtle Beach a call immediately. We are one of the top plumbing companies in Myrtle Beach, SC, and can help you find the most affordable and energy-efficient solutions possible for the plumbing issues that you are facing. This might be anything from replacing a section of the plumbing to completely replacing it.
Here, at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Myrtle Beach, we have years of experience in dealing with all types of plumbing issues. As a result, we’re able to not only quickly identify the problem but also come up with multiple solutions. Our team is licensed, insured, and bonded and has won many awards and accolades for their attention to detail and their ability to offer exemplary workmanship. We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee, so you can rest assured that we’ll get the job done to your satisfaction. You can trust our plumbers to provide you with the best services in the area at the most affordable prices.
For fast, affordable, and reliable plumbing services, give us a call at 843-894-0905. We’ll quickly respond to your call. After all, when it comes to plumbing issues and water damage, it’s imperative that you get the solutions that you’re looking for as soon as possible. The longer that you wait, the worse that the problem can become.