A shutoff valve is a valve that is used to stop the flow of water to a particular fixture or appliance. A stop valve is a valve that is used to control the flow of water to a particular fixture or appliance. Shutoff valves are typically installed when the water supply line enters the home.
Fixture shut off valves are also called stop valves and they control water flow to individual plumbing fixtures, such as faucets and toilets. An advantage of these valves is that you can work on a faucet or toilet without having to shut off the water to the entire house.
A stop valve is a type of valve used to stop the flow of liquid or gas in a system. It is usually installed at the end of a pipeline or section of piping. Stop valves are often used in household plumbing systems to shut off the water supply to a fixture such as a sink or a toilet.
A shut off valve might also be referred to as a lock out valve, cut off valve, a shutdown valve, an emergency shutdown valve, a ball valve, or an exhausting ball valve.
Main Water Shut-Off Valve Basics and Importance
Most homes actually have two such valves: One for outside water sources, which is generally controlled by the city you live in, plus one for your indoor plumbing and water areas.
Gate Valve
Gate valves are some of the most common water shut-off valve types. As their name suggests, gate valves use a gate mechanism that lifts and lowers when you adjust the external handle or knob at the top of the valve.
A more practical example of a shutoff valve is a water shutoff valve. These are located throughout your home. The most important is the main shutoff valve, which can turn off the water supply to your entire home.
The gate shutoff valve is round and shaped like a wheel. To close, turn the shut-off valve clockwise until it's firmly closed. The ball valve has a lever handle, and to close it, you turn the handle one-quarter clockwise until it's tightly closed.
Your internal stop tap (also sometimes called a stop valve or stopcock) is the point where you can shut off the water supply to your home or business. It looks like a spout-less tap or lever and sits between two lengths of pipe acting as a connector.
In a home the inside stop tap is usually located under the kitchen sink, but can also be in an airing cupboard or under the floorboards near the front door. You should be able to operate the valve yourself. Turning the valve clockwise will close it, reducing the amount of water passing through.
Stop Valves
They're commonly found at plumbing fixtures, such as the water supply line to your toilet or as part of your outside faucet. A stop valve works by moving a stopper up and down. The photos below show a stop valve in the open position, halfway open position, and fully closed position.
Keeping the stopcock fully open will cause no major harm but it can allow limescale to buildup in the spindle. We recommend that you have turn it fully open and then back by half a turn, which should prevent the spindle jamming up.
Often builders choose a valve without stops since they know it's not going to make a huge difference and they can save a little money. However, if you are buying the fixtures for your home and have the option to get the valve with stops we recommend you do so. The cost difference is minimal.
A spigot is a faucet, a device to turn water on and off. If you leave a spigot open, the water will keep flowing. In the U.S., most of us call an indoor valve (in the kitchen or bathroom) a faucet, and the outdoor one a spigot.
How to find your inside stop valve. Your inside stop valve is inside your house and is normally located just after the water pipe enters the house. This is often under the kitchen sink, but can also be: In an airing cupboard.
Locating the proper valve
Basements – the shut-off valve is typically located near the front foundation wall. The main water may come through the concrete floor or through the wall. The valve is typically within three to five feet of where the main water enters.
"There is no downside to turning off the water. It takes a little bit of time, and it can save thousands of dollars in potential water damage."
This usually fails either with wear and tear or simply because it's old and has been in the home for a long time. It's a smart idea to have these values upgraded with reliable ones. Contact your local plumber to help you individually change out each fixtures water shut off valve.
Signs that the valve is no longer working the way it should include the inability of the valve to fully shut off the flow of water, a seized or difficult-to-turn valve handle, and an active leak from the valve.
Generally speaking, most water shut-off valves last between 10 to 20 years. However, they can last longer, depending on the material you choose. For example, brass valves can last about eight to 10 years, while stainless steel can last over 30 years.
Fixing a Stuck Water Shut Off Valve
We recommend putting a cloth over the handle and using your hand to slowly rock the stuck valve back and forth to loosen it. Keep doing this until the valve can be completely opened and closed. If the valve won't turn after trying this, grab a pair of Channellock pliers.