Water Main Shut Off Tool

[billt460]

That is an invaluable precaution that should be taken when someone goes on an extended vacation. Just be sure that the electrical/gas supply is shut off on the water heater so you don't risk damaging the element/burner.

Good point. I always kill the breaker to the water heater whenever I shut off the water to do a plumbing project. When you start opening faucets It's easy to create a back siphon condition and have a situation where you might expose the top heating element.

If that happens you'll be installing a new water heater in addition to whatever else you were working on.

Turning off the cold water supply valve to the water heater helps to prevent this as well.

 

[Hall]

Just be sure that the electrical/gas supply is shut off on the water heater so you don't risk damaging the element/burner.

If you're shutting the water off at the meter, wouldn't everyone in the house know "there's no water" and won't be emptying the water heater by trying to take a shower, run laundry, etc ?

 

[Nukeman7]

If you're shutting the water off at the meter, wouldn't everyone in the house know "there's no water" and won't be emptying the water heater by trying to take a shower, run laundry, etc ?

I would hope so; however, some folks give home access to a friend/relative/neighbor to come by to bring in mail, feed the goldfish, or do a security check, etc. when they go on an extended vacation (e.g., OCONUS, cruise).

 

[Hall]

I would hope so; however, some folks give home access to a friend/relative/neighbor to come by to bring in mail, feed the goldfish, or do a security check, etc. when they go on an extended vacation (e.g., OCONUS, cruise).

No, I meant if you were just doing a quick repair like OP was doing. I do put our water heater in VAC mode and shutoff the clothes washer supply.

 

[BrendanC]

be careful with ball valves and shut off slowly. otherwise the water hammer is insane. all of my outside hose bibs are 3/4” full port ball valves and the wife has slammed them closed a few times…. paranoid about blowing my pex apart.

 

[4wd]

I keep a “big T” in the garage - but installed a 1” ball valve at ground level that you can close with your foot …
Have a little hot box and heat lamp that I pull out in the winter …
GFCI plug is right there …

 

[rszappa1]

When going on vacation I always turn off the main water in the utility room and also turn the water off at the meter by the street....