Can You Shut Off Your Water in an Emergency?

[retiredguy123]

Recently, I tested my plastic water supply valve located in the wall at the back of the garage. It was very difficult to turn off, and I was afraid that I may break off the plastic handle. So, I ordered this device from Amazon in the ¾ inch size. It fits over the valve handle and makes it very easy to shut off the valve. Note that the device is about 9 inches long, so you need to ensure that there is clearance to fit it inside the wall and you may need to reverse it after partially closing the valve. I keep this device near the water valve, and I also leave the valve access panel partially open because it requires a screwdriver to pry open. I think it is a good investment.

Amazon.com (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09JB8W8P5?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1)

[Topspinmo]

Recently, I tested my plastic water supply valve located in the wall at the back of the garage. It was very difficult to turn off, and I was afraid that I may break off the plastic handle. So, I ordered this device from Amazon in the ¾ inch size. It fits over the valve handle and makes it very easy to shut off the valve. Note that the device is about 9 inches long, so you need to ensure that there is clearance to fit it inside the wall and you may need to reverse it after partially closing the valve. I keep this device near the water valve, and I also leave the valve access panel partially open because it requires a screwdriver to pry open. I think it is a good investment.

Amazon.com (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09JB8W8P5?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1)

In my CYV house water shut after the water meter outside between garage wall and meter. Went on vacation/trip the first time and I shut it off, was very hard also. Once I got back and turned valve back on it leaked. Had to replace it.

I also keep 9/16” wrench by my gas meter valve in case I need to shut gas off in case Of lightning strike with yellow gas lines in the attic.

IMO The valve hard because it hasn’t been cycled in long time. It maybe stuck or leak when you cycle it back on?

[Madelaine Amee]

We had a plumber change out the plastic piece and put in a heavy duty metal lever which turns off our water supply to the whole house.

[UpNorth]

Recently, I tested my plastic water supply valve located in the wall at the back of the garage. It was very difficult to turn off, and I was afraid that I may break off the plastic handle. So, I ordered this device from Amazon in the ¾ inch size. It fits over the valve handle and makes it very easy to shut off the valve. Note that the device is about 9 inches long, so you need to ensure that there is clearance to fit it inside the wall and you may need to reverse it after partially closing the valve. I keep this device near the water valve, and I also leave the valve access panel partially open because it requires a screwdriver to pry open. I think it is a good investment.

Amazon.com (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09JB8W8P5?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1)

I just cut a couple of notches into the end of a 1-1/2" PVC pipe. Mates over the plastic shut-off handle and is very easy to turn.

[DAVES]

Shutting off the water valve in the garage is a problem for all. Our home was purchased new. The valve was installed laying on the ground. Turn it off-fat chance. The builder sent the plumber over and he raised the valve higher. Installed an elbow a riser another elbow and a bridge with the valve in it and then down to the waterline. It now works fine.
I am too old to be expected to play that game TWISTER. You can and perhaps should have better quality valves installed.

[DAVES]

I just cut a couple of notches into the end of a 1-1/2" PVC pipe. Mates over the plastic shut-off handle and is very easy to turn.

I did the same but used some square tubing. I think it was left over from our plastic garage racks. Easier to grip than round tubing. Wife throw that out. Me you never know when I will find a use for it.

[MartinSE]

Recently, I tested my plastic water supply valve located in the wall at the back of the garage. It was very difficult to turn off, and I was afraid that I may break off the plastic handle. So, I ordered this device from Amazon in the ¾ inch size. It fits over the valve handle and makes it very easy to shut off the valve. Note that the device is about 9 inches long, so you need to ensure that there is clearance to fit it inside the wall and you may need to reverse it after partially closing the valve. I keep this device near the water valve, and I also leave the valve access panel partially open because it requires a screwdriver to pry open. I think it is a good investment.

Amazon.com (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09JB8W8P5?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1)

Great idea, thanks for the heads up!

[Garywt]

Mine was installed by Nova when the water filter went in. Very easy. It is off a lot more than on.

[Keefelane66]

I just cut a couple of notches into the end of a 1-1/2" PVC pipe. Mates over the plastic shut-off handle and is very easy to turn.
That’s the way to go agree very easy

[Dave951]

Nova filter system installs a new valve. No problem to turn off or on

[Badger 2006]

In my CYV house water shut after the water meter outside between garage wall and meter. Went on vacation/trip the first time and I shut it off, was very hard also. Once I got back and turned valve back on it leaked. Had to replace it.

I also keep 9/16” wrench by my gas meter valve in case I need to shut gas off in case Of lightning strike with yellow gas lines in the attic.

IMO The valve hard because it hasn’t been cycled in long time. It maybe stuck or leak when you cycle it back on?

FYI: Regarding gas lines in the attic. Because a few years back a neighbor’s home was struck by lightning and the attic gas lines were compromised accelerating the fire, we had the gas lines re-run directly into the garage at floor height, then on to our gas water heater and air handler. A bit more difficult to accomplish if you need to run it to a gas stove.

[JMintzer]

Don't know if ours was changed when the previous owner put in a filter/softener, but it's very easy to turn off... But for those with limited strength ore arthritis in their hands, that could be a great asset!

[tophcfa]

Recently, I tested my plastic water supply valve located in the wall at the back of the garage. It was very difficult to turn off, and I was afraid that I may break off the plastic handle. So, I ordered this device from Amazon in the ¾ inch size. It fits over the valve handle and makes it very easy to shut off the valve. Note that the device is about 9 inches long, so you need to ensure that there is clearance to fit it inside the wall and you may need to reverse it after partially closing the valve. I keep this device near the water valve, and I also leave the valve access panel partially open because it requires a screwdriver to pry open. I think it is a good investment.

Amazon.com (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09JB8W8P5?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1)

The plastic whole house water shut off valve that comes with original construction is a piece of garbage that’s an accident waiting to happen. Replace it with a quality brass throw valve that will last way past any of our lifetimes with no worries. We turn the valve off and back on every time we leave/return to our house for more than a few days. The plastic valve will inevitably start leaking.

[Mark1976]

Excellent point- I just had mine replaced with a brass ball valve. The plastic one I had gotten really concerned about breaking.

[La lamy]

Mine is outside and we all know what happens to plastic in Florida weather. My handle shattered when I tested it once. Indeed, plastic is to be avoided here.

[jswirs]

I've been using a large channel lock pilers, or, what we used to call, a water pump pilers. It's been working for me, no problems.

[Worldseries27]

i just cut a couple of notches into the end of a 1-1/2" pvc pipe. Mates over the plastic shut-off handle and is very easy to turn.
in the utility business we called that a " persuader" although we used pipes up to 4 feet at times

[me4vt]

The best thing to do if you’re leaving for a month or more is cut it off at the street. Let me rephrase that for some of you, turn it off at the street. I have a cut off at the house but, I always cut it off at the meter when I’m away.


Change out PVC valve with an Apollo ball valve.


Recently, I tested my plastic water supply valve located in the wall at the back of the garage. It was very difficult to turn off, and I was afraid that I may break off the plastic handle. So, I ordered this device from Amazon in the ¾ inch size. It fits over the valve handle and makes it very easy to shut off the valve. Note that the device is about 9 inches long, so you need to ensure that there is clearance to fit it inside the wall and you may need to reverse it after partially closing the valve. I keep this device near the water valve, and I also leave the valve access panel partially open because it requires a screwdriver to pry open. I think it is a good investment.

Amazon.com (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09JB8W8P5?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1)

[Tvflguy]

I installed a water softener in the garage next to the main water shut off. I have a shutoff valve going into the WS and after. Both are simple to get to and turn.

[Captainpd]

Every time you leave your house for an extended period of time, the water should be turned off. It's hard to believe that that valve hasn't been turned off for years.

[Bogie Shooter]

The best thing to do if you’re leaving for a month or more is cut it off at the street. Let me rephrase that for some of you, turn it off at the street. I have a cut off at the house but, I always cut it off at the meter when I’m away.


Change out PVC valve with an Apollo ball valve.

Is a customer allowed to mess with the shut off at the meter. I don’t know but would guess no.

[OhioBuckeye]

I’m guessing things are made that way from the manufacturer so you have to hire a service person to do it. I just think anything that has a valve on on it should be easy to turn off & not have fear of breaking!

[mulligan]

There is a shutoff at both sides of the meter. The one on the house side is yours. Feel free to use it.

[Joe C.]

On/off valves sieze up when not used over a period of time, so the best thing to do is open and close them a few times a year ...... say maybe every other month or so.
It's like letting your car sit in the garage for a year without driving it.
It's like exercising your body.
If you don't use it, you'll lose it.

[MrFlorida]

I just cut a couple of notches into the end of a 1-1/2" PVC pipe. Mates over the plastic shut-off handle and is very easy to turn.


Yes, I saw this on Utube, works great and costs almost nothing.

[Jensor17]

Thanks for the suggestion to call plumber. I’d like to know: Why did our builders give us cheap, breakable shutoffs ?

[Bill14564]

The best thing to do if you’re leaving for a month or more is cut it off at the street. Let me rephrase that for some of you, turn it off at the street. I have a cut off at the house but, I always cut it off at the meter when I’m away.


Change out PVC valve with an Apollo ball valve.

Be careful with that. If you do not have separate drinking water and irrigation water then cutting it off at the street means no watering while you are gone.

[rrtjp]

We also had Nova install a whole house water filter and they moved the on/off lever higher up and it’s very easy to use. We just wanted better water quality so the new on/off lever was a nice bonus. We will be replacing all the plastic cheap waterlines in the house with steel braided lines as well. Build quality and attention to detail here is not the builders strong suit. The common phrase we kept hearing when we were looking to buy here was “we are not selling homes here, we are selling a life style”. We do love the life style here and our new home that we are improving on.

[Lindaws]

We hired a plumber and he raised the valve and put in an easier shut off.
No more bending or prying to shut off. It is almost waist high.

[Catalina36]

Recently, I tested my plastic water supply valve located in the wall at the back of the garage. It was very difficult to turn off, and I was afraid that I may break off the plastic handle. So, I ordered this device from Amazon in the ¾ inch size. It fits over the valve handle and makes it very easy to shut off the valve. Note that the device is about 9 inches long, so you need to ensure that there is clearance to fit it inside the wall and you may need to reverse it after partially closing the valve. I keep this device near the water valve, and I also leave the valve access panel partially open because it requires a screwdriver to pry open. I think it is a good investment.

Amazon.com (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09JB8W8P5?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1)

BE AWARE! You are placing a larger handle over the old handle adding leverage to turn the handle. The valve stem is also plastic. Be careful you don’t break off the the valve stem. Then you will have to replace the valve.

[merrymini]

Turning water off to the house when away is a very good idea. No reason to have it turned off at the street. I assume you need a service call to have that done. Everything in these houses is contractor grade, no surprise. That is why when you have a house built they have upgrades, not available when you buy a house that is already completed.

[tomtauto]

Our home was built in 2005 and an expansion valve was used for the water heater instead of an expansion tank. This valve is located just above the water shut-off in the garage wall. Our expansion valve leaked last year and had to be replaced with a better valve. The plumber indicated that for this set-up simply shutting off the valve in the garage does not keep this valve from ever leaking again while we are away. He suggested always shutting off the valve at the outside meter was the only sure way to avoid a potential leak while we are gone for an extended period of time.

[jimbo2012]

We had a plumber change out the plastic piece and put in a heavy duty metal lever which turns off our water supply to the whole house.

One of least desirable things in water source in a metal valve, plumbers are great at plumbing not experts in water contamination.

Nova uses a Schedule 80 heavy duty plastic ball valve as already mentioned very easy to turn.

Forcing the standard cheap ones sometimes breaks the wings off then you're trouble.

[Professor]

We did the same. Best investment we have made as we come and go a lot.

[Topspinmo]

Is a customer allowed to mess with the shut off at the meter. I don’t know but would guess no.


Yes, iF got tool to shut it off, (down deep in little hole) why it has shut off valve before meter.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/JONES-STEPHENS-5-8-in-x-27-in-Length-Steel-Street-and-Curb-Water-Meter-Key-M25527/313460704?source=shoppingads&locale=en-US&&mtc=Shopping-BF-F_D26P-G-D26P-026_007_PLUMB_REPAIR-NA-NA-NA-SMART-NA-NA-New_Engen&cm_mmc=Shopping-BF-F_D26P-G-D26P-026_007_PLUMB_REPAIR-NA-NA-NA-SMART-NA-NA-New_Engen-71700000081569458-58700006932068295-92700062338492184&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIyLGWg-Ot9wIVQRx9Ch2AgQ9LEAQYAyABEgLdYfD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

[Topspinmo]

Thanks for the suggestion to call plumber. I’d like to know: Why did our builders give us cheap, breakable shutoffs ?

Florida and freeze zone of 2”. Not two feet like in north.

[Pinball wizard]

I installed a water softener in the garage next to the main water shut off. I have a shutoff valve going into the WS and after. Both are simple to get to and turn.

This is also typically true if you just have a whole house water filter installed in your garage.

[TVCZ1]

We had a plumber change out the plastic piece and put in a heavy duty metal lever which turns off our water supply to the whole house.

Hi Madelaine, I am looking into having my plastic whole house water valve replaced, but my neighbor warned me about good/bad plumbers and paying too much. Can you tell me who you used to switch out the valve and what I should expect to pay?

Thank you in advance

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

We can shut the water off at the house, and we can shut the water off at the street that brings water to the property. Not sure we were supposed to get the wrench-thing for the one at the street-side, but we have it nonetheless. Good thing too, our next door neighbor had her hot water heater explode, and water was gushing everywhere both onto our shared lawn and into her house. We were able to block the water from even getting to her house, until she got home and could get the plumber to replace it.

[stevecmo]

Hi Madelaine, I am looking into having my plastic whole house water valve replaced, but my neighbor warned me about good/bad plumbers and paying too much. Can you tell me who you used to switch out the valve and what I should expect to pay?

Thank you in advance
Just had mine replaced by Torri Plumbing - $127.

[Madelaine Amee]

Hi Madelaine, I am looking into having my plastic whole house water valve replaced, but my neighbor warned me about good/bad plumbers and paying too much. Can you tell me who you used to switch out the valve and what I should expect to pay?

Thank you in advance

We use Kileys for all our plumbing. If we need a job done we get a well established company and pay what they want. Kiley's and probably all other well established companies stand behind their work.

We actually did once have a handiman do a plumbing job for us, paid him and then paid Kiley's to do it properly. :)

[TVCZ1]

Thank You

[retiredguy123]

I can understand replacing the plastic valve with a metal one if you are going to be using the valve a lot. But, if you only need the valve in emergencies, I would stay with the plastic valve. Your entire water system is plastic pipe and you already have about 12-15 plastic push-pull valves at your sinks, toilets, etc. When the plumber installs a metal valve, he/she needs to make two connections between plastic and metal pipe which can cause a leak even if the metal valve operates properly. But, the important thing is to test the valve occasionally to make sure that it is accessible and not stuck and can be turned off when needed. I have been in some houses where there is so much junk piled in front of the valve, that you can't get to it. And, the homeowner doesn't even know where the valve is anyway. Also, the builder installs an access panel in the wall in front of the valve that you cannot open without a screwdriver. When your bathtub is overflowing, you need to be able to shut off the water immediately.

[EdFNJ]

I installed a water softener in the garage next to the main water shut off. I have a shutoff valve going into the WS and after. Both are simple to get to and turn. That's exactly how our Nova filter was installed right at (after) the main valve with valves on both the in and the out side of the filter. No bending and made it much easier for me to shut off main supply to replace the other plastic valves in the house (still have 2 to go). :) The original valve is a REAL PITA to turn.

[jimbo2012]

The reason plastic valves are used is because brass valves leach metal into water.
They should not be used in any drinking water piping.
As stated above Nova uses a heavy gauge 80 valve that will not fail.

https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-aabq2uqurc/images/stencil/1280x1280/products/131/432/Valve1__94529.1651438598.jpg?c=1

they are $15

[tophcfa]

Yes, iF got tool to shut it off, (down deep in little hole) why it has shut off valve before meter.

I MacGyver’ed up one of those water shutoff tools by taking a piece of rebar, putting the end in a vice and hammering the end into an L shape, than I ground down the tip with a grinding wheel so it would fit into the slot that turns the shutoff valve. It works great and I had the piece of rebar sitting around because T&D left it behind when building our pool. Easy peasy.

[jimbo2012]

you can buy the main shut off tool from Ace about $10 to turn off in lawn meter box

[GatorFan]

Me too. He did not even charge me