Plumbing emergencies can turn into disasters in minutes. When a pipe bursts or a fixture overflows, water can spread fast, damaging floors, walls, and belongings. Acting quickly to stop the flow is one of the most important skills a homeowner in Edmonton can have. Knowing where your valves are and how to use them gives you control until professional help arrives.
Why Knowing Your Shutoff Points Matters
In a plumbing emergency, every second matters. Homeowners who don’t know how to stop the water risk:
- Costly repairs: damage to drywall, flooring, and furniture can add up quickly
- Safety issues: flooding near electrical outlets creates serious hazards
- Insurance headaches: water damage claims are some of the most expensive and disruptive
Learning how to use your shutoff valves is a simple step that prevents chaos during a crisis.
Step 1: Find the Main Water Shutoff Valve
The main shutoff controls water entering your home. In most Edmonton houses, you will find it:
- In the basement near the water meter
- Along an exterior wall close to where the service line comes in
- In a utility area near the furnace or hot water tank
How to shut it off:
- Wheel style valve: turn clockwise until it stops
- Lever style valve: turn the handle 90 degrees so it is across the pipe
This step stops all water from entering your home, making it the fastest way to contain a burst pipe.
Step 2: Know Where Fixture Valves Are
Not all emergencies require shutting down the entire house. Most fixtures have small shutoff valves located right behind or underneath them. Common examples include:
- Toilets: valve near the base behind the bowl
- Sinks: valves under the cabinet, one for hot and one for cold
- Washing machines: valves behind the appliance, usually for both supply hoses
These valves let you stop water to just one fixture while keeping the rest of the house running.
Step 3: Use the Outdoor Curb Stop if Needed
If the main valve inside fails or you cannot reach it, Edmonton homes have a secondary shutoff called a curb stop. It is located outside at the property line under a small metal cover.
Using a curb stop requires a special wrench and is best left to a licensed plumber. In an emergency where you cannot stop the water inside, call Go2Plumbers Edmonton right away to handle it safely.
When It Is Time to Call a Plumber
Shutting off the water buys you time, but it does not solve the underlying issue. You should contact a professional if you are dealing with:
- A pipe burst caused by freezing conditions
- Flooding or pooling water you cannot control
- Ongoing leaks that do not stop after using fixture valves
Go2Plumbers provides 24/7 emergency plumbing in Edmonton, so you are never left waiting when water is pouring into your home.
Preventing Emergencies Before They Happen
Knowing your valves is only part of protecting your home. Preventative steps can reduce the chance of future disasters:
- Schedule annual leak detection services: catch small issues before they burst
- Install a sump pump: protect basements from flooding during heavy rain
- Have your plumbing system inspected regularly: spot aging pipes or failing connections early
Be Ready Before Disaster Strikes
Water damage spreads fast, but shutting off your supply gives you the upper hand. Take a few minutes now to find your valves and practice turning them. That way, when an emergency hits, you will know exactly what to do.
If you need help with a plumbing emergency in Edmonton, call Go2Plumbers Edmonton anytime, our team is ready day or night.
