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.
A couple reasons, one it to make changing the meter easier. With the water shut off on both sides not only does no water flow from the street but no water can drain back from the house. The other is to give you 2 options to turn off the water to the house. If one valve doesn't hold tight the other will.
Leaks and bursting pipes can cause thousands of dollars in damages to our residences and businesses. That's why homes built within the last 20 years typically have two shut-off valves, one for the water utility (called a supply-side shut-off) and one for you (called a house line shut-off.)
BrassCraft's dual-outlet dual-shut-off stops are ideal for adding dishwashers, ice makers, water filters or instant hot water dispensers to your existing water supply. Dual-outlet dual-shut-off stops allow you to turn off water to one fixture – without interrupting supply to the other.
The bottom valve is the main shut-off. The top valve is an isolation valve that stops water to the top pipe but allows water flow to the bottom pipe.
Most of the time, homeowners are responsible for replacing a main water shut-off valve. This is because the property owner also owns the water service line from the shut-off valve near their property line to their house. That means they must maintain, repair, or replace it when needed.
There will actually be two main shut off valves at the typical suburban residence. One valve will be at the city water meter (usually located in a buried box near the street).
When it comes to shut-off valves, there is good news and bad news. The good news is that they can last for 20 to 25 years. The bad news is that if they are not used and exercised every two years (at least), they may freeze in the open position and need replacement.
What Is a Water Main? Homes that receive water from a municipal source have a water main that delivers fresh water into the home. Your water main can be easily identified by finding your home's water meter, which records the incoming flow of water for accurate billing at the end of each month.
Every home was required to have a main water shut-off valve installed inside the home when it was built. For most emergencies or repairs, shutting off the proper inside valve is all you will need to do. However, there are also underground shut-off valves installed outside at the property line.
The duration varies depending on the size of the house, the complexity of the plumbing system, and the water flow. However, for an average-sized home, it might take anywhere from 30 minutes to a couple of hours to fully drain the system.
In both cases, there is usually a secondary valve in the utility area of your home, near where the water line enters your house. Homes with city-provided water sometimes have a secondary shut-off point on the exterior wall near the water meter.
Your master shutoff valve is typically located outside the home in the front, side, or backyard, or it may be located in your garage. The master shutoff valve shuts off water to the house. Supply shutoff valves shut off water to specific appliances and fixtures, such as sinks, toilets, and washing machines.
S=shut and O=open.
Average Replacement Costs
The cost to replace a main water shut off valve depends on the type of valve you choose: Ball valve replacement: Typically costs between $150 and $300. Gate valve replacement: Usually ranges from $200 to $400.
In most cases, the valve is connected to a copper pipe beside the water heater. Since your water heater isn't in the crawl space, it's probably in a utility closet on the main floor. After you've exhausted all options but still haven't find the main valve, read the inspection report you got when you bought the home.
Who is Responsible for the Water Line From the Street to Your House? Water service lines within the bounds of your property are considered your personal responsibility to maintain, while public water pipes outside of private property lines are the city's responsibility.
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.
Exterior faucets should have a separate shutoff valve inside the house, but not all of them do. In older homes, these valves are typically located at the ceiling somewhere close to the outside faucet. In newer homes, the valves are typically located right next to the main water valve, and they're also usually labeled.
Every home has two main water shutoff valves: one inside the house and the other by where your property meets the street. The simplest way to shut off all water running through your house is to know where the main valve is located inside your house.
For a standard PRV replacement, expect to pay around $400 to $800. This includes the new valve, plumber fees, permit charges, and any additional materials or labor.
Water meters are the property of your water company. They measure how much water goes from the city's public water system into private plumbing, and determine your bill.