Plumbing emergencies can result in serious damage to your home, so they may naturally create a panic situation that could result in even more extensive problems. However, knowledge is power, and your entire family should be aware of the proper procedures to follow before a plumber can arrive to save the day.

SHUTTING OFF THE MAIN WATER SUPPLY VALVE TO YOUR HOME

Every member of your household should be made aware of the location of the main shut-off valve for your home's water supply. This valve will cease the flow of water to every part of your home.

Of course, this leaves your home completely without water for drinking, cleaning and toilets. However, turning off the water can stop a major flood from occurring from a burst supply pipe or another serious breach in your plumbing system.

Turning off the main valve can also be a stopgap measure to use until you can locate a local valve to a specific section of your plumbing that is causing a problem.

Once the local valve is located, it can then be shut off and the main valve reopened to allow water use before a plumber can arrive to perform necessary repairs.

The main valve will be located at the location that is nearest to the water meter for your home and will be installed on a wall on the lowest floor. If your water meter is outside the home, the main valve will probably be located on a wall on the lowest level in the front section of the home.

The main valve must be turned clockwise fully to turn-off the water supply. If the valve is difficult to turn because of its age, keep a large screwdriver nearby. You can use the screwdriver by placing it through the openings in the valve handle, as this will provide greater leverage for family members with less hand strength in a time of emergency.

TURNING OFF LOCAL VALVES WHEN PLUMBING EMERGENCIES ARISE

If you are aware of the location of single-use valves, you will not need to plunge your family into water deprivation mode by shutting off the main valve.

For example, if your toilet is leaking or overflowing, you can shut off the flow of water to the tank by turning off the small valve that is directly below the supply line to the toilet. Turn it fully in a clockwise direction to shut off the water. However, the tank will likely be filled, so don't allow anyone to flush the toilet if it is clogged, or you'll still have a messy overflow.

Turn off the cold water valve (cold to the touch) atop your water heater tank to stop a leaking tank from filling with additional water.

If a faucet won't stop running, you will need to find two small valves under your sink. Turn both clockwise to shut off both the hot and cold water supply lines.

Outdoor hose bibs will often fail when the supply valves that feed them are left on during the freeze of winter. If your hose bib leaks, look for the valve that is nearest to the bib. It's always a good idea to shut off the supply valve to your outdoor water supply before temperatures dip below freezing.

After you turn off the water, remove any hoses, and then open the bib fully to release any water inside that may freeze and cause a leak.

While your local plumber will try their best to get to your home as quickly as possible when a plumbing emergency occurs, you can save yourself a lot of trouble and expense if you shut off the water.

If you're in the Carrollton, Georgia, area, contact Cox Plumbing to come to your rescue.