You’ve snuck out of town for a romantic weekend when you’re interrupted by a panicked call from one of
your teenagers. The water line to the upstairs bathroom has burst, and water is pouring through a hole that
has emerged in your kitchen ceiling. Your kids can’t stop the water, and the damage is getting worse. Are
you going to have to give up the rest of your time away to race back home and stop the leak? Or are you
going to have to track down a reputable plumber?
Critical valves protecting your Columbus home
Every home that receives water service should have a shut-off valve. This valve is nearly always located
where the water supply enters the home, often in the crawlspace or basement. Usually, a quick turn or two
of the valve is enough to stop water from entering your home, which will stop the leak and allow it to be
repaired. The valves are usually easy enough for a child to use, so it’s a good idea to make sure everyone
in your home knows where the valve is and how to operate it. If your home has natural gas service, there’s
also a valve you can turn to stop the flow of gas in case you smell a leak.
Water can be extraordinarily damaging
When water stays where it belongs, it’s a necessity that helps us live our lives. But when something goes
wrong and water starts pouring where it’s not supposed to be, it can cause expensive and long-lasting
damage to your Columbus home and its furnishings and floor coverings. Even if help arrives in an hour,
literally hundreds of gallons of water can pour into your home during that time. Once you stop the leak,
you’ll have to go through all the work of removing the excess water and drying (or discarding) the items
that were damaged.
Leaking gas can be deadly
Natural gas, propane, and similar fuels are safe when used correctly. But when a leak or other problem
allows those gases to escape, they can pose serious hazards. First, gases are highly flammable. If you have
a significant leak, even a small spark (such as what happens when you flip a light switch) can cause the
gas to explode and burn. In addition, it’s not safe for humans to breathe natural gas, and large amounts
can lead to asphyxiation and even death!
Familiarize the family
Make sure everyone in your home knows where any shut-off valves are located, where they are, and how
to use them. Let them close and open the valve to see how it works and feels. Your family members will
probably never need to operate the valve, but in a scenario like a home emergency while the couple is
away, the kids would know exactly what to do.
Checking your Columbus home’s shut-off valves
Like any kind of valve that’s used only rarely, shut-off valves in Columbus homes may become tight and
difficult to turn. They may be affected by corrosion or minerals in the water that build up on surfaces. The
danger is that when you need the shut-off valves the most, you might not be able to turn them. That’s why
it’s important to operate your shut-off valves at least once a year. Turn them off for a moment, and then
turn them back on. Regular movement — even if it’s only once a year — should ensure the valve will turn
when you need it most.
Replacing your home’s shut-off valves
If you have an older home, it probably also has an older shut-off value. As noted in the previous
paragraph, when components like valves sit unused for a long time, they can become stiff and stubborn to
turn. If you’ve never used your home’s shut-off valve, you’ll probably be surprised at how much elbow
grease it takes to turn it off. Today’s quarter-turn shut-off valves are easier to use than a bathroom sink.
Most can be turned using just your thumb and forefinger.
Who can help me with shut-off valves?
Having trouble using your home’s shut-off valve? Thinking of replacing yours with one of the new and
easy-to-use valves? Either way, you’ll find the information and advice you need from a name your
neighbors have trusted for years: Johnson Comfort. They make sure your home and family are properly
protected. Why not call them today?
