Plumbing
Know and carefully check water shutoff valves
A usable main shutoff and fixture valves can limit damage during a leak. Vantage Point inspections do not operate these valves because an older or deteriorated valve may leak or fail when moved.
Recommended timingReview yearly
What to do
- Locate and label the main water shutoff and the individual valves serving toilets, sinks, the washer, refrigerator and other water-using equipment.
- Ask the homeowner, seller, utility or a plumber to confirm which valve controls the home and how the local service should be shut off.
- Once a year, a homeowner may carefully verify that accessible valves move normally, but never force a stiff, corroded, leaking or unfamiliar valve.
- Have a plumber service or replace valves that are difficult to operate, do not close fully, seep at the stem or are not readily accessible.
- Keep the plumber and water-utility emergency numbers with the home's records.
Do not force or disassemble a valve. Testing can create a leak or loss of water service, so use a plumber whenever the condition or procedure is uncertain.
Official guidance and sources
Product instructions and local requirements take priority for the equipment or material installed at your home.