When your plumbing system starts to leak, whether it is a tap, an appliance, a fixture, or a water line, a shut-off will stop the flow of water.
If a shut-off hasn’t been installed, the water to the entire house will need to be shut down until the repair is completed, and the fixture or appliance is replaced. It isn’t very convenient to do without water at any point in time.
Water is necessary for your morning coffee or tea, showering or bathing, brushing your teeth, food prep and cooking, drinking, refreshing your pet’s water dish, and more.
That’s why Plumbtech Plumbing would like to see a shut-off valve at every fixture. It’s easier to fix and easier on the homeowner.
There are many different kinds of shut-offs starting with the main one that turns off the water supply to the entire house. They can look utilitarian or decorative depending on whether they will be hidden from view or on display with the fixture they are attached to.
Some have a round or angular wheel that turns off and on similar to a tap while others function and look like a lever.
Every residence has a main shut-off valve located where the water enters the house from the outside source. It could be in the furnace room, utility room, or at the front of the house.
It will be attached to the main water line and located near the water meter, for those on municipal services, because it tabulates the amount of water that goes into the house for billing purposes.
Shuts offs come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and finishes. Of them, only two fixtures are required by code (National Plumbing Code for Canada) to have a shut-off: the toilet and the hot water tank.
The National Plumbing Code for Canada is updated every few years to reflect changes in the industry. The code sets out technical requirements for the design and installation of new plumbing systems, as well as the extension, alteration, renewal, and repair of existing plumbing systems. Plumbtech Plumbing recommends a shut-off for every sink and every fixture that uses hot and cold water. That way, if a cartridge goes inside a tap and needs to be replaced, water can still be used at other fixtures in the house.
Shut-off values also have another function, if installed correctly (right-side up). It will help to keep sediment out of the line. The handle should be across the top, not pointing down.
Valves have different names that vary with the purpose, installation, and type. A globe valve, for example, is used with larger pipes such as at the main water shut-off.
Crimp-type valves go with pex piping, Soldered valves are used with copper piping. Compressed valves are used at the water meter.
Threaded valves go with hot water. There is also a compressor valve at the water meter.
A ProPress valve is used with larger pipes. It requires a special machine that can crimp.
Stop and drain valves are installed on an outside tap. It lets air in so that you can drain the tap before winter.
It’s a good idea to know the location of all the shut-offs in your home, just in case of a plumbing emergency.
Should you happen to notice you’re short on shut-offs, call Plumbtech Plumbing at 705-722-7209.
