Can You Shut Off Your Water in an Emergency?
 

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

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

Great idea, thanks for the heads up!

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

That’s the way to go agree very easy

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

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!

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.

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

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.