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How can I tell if a fixture shutoff is actually stopping the water?
A shutoff handle can turn to the closed position without fully stopping flow. What should I watch for at the fixture to tell whether it’s isolated, and how long might a brief residual drip continue after closing the valve?
If water keeps flowing, or the valve feels stuck, is the main shutoff the sensible next step, or should a plumber handle it? I wouldn’t want to force a valve and make the leak worse.
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Isolation means the fixture’s flow stops. A little water already in the spout or line may drip briefly, but it should taper off; there’s no fixed time because fixtures differ. If dripping stays steady or resumes, treat the valve as not fully shutting off. Use the main shutoff if you can operate it safely, and don’t force a stuck fixture valve; call a plumber if you can’t confidently stop the supply.
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