Good call on the flashlight—I learned that one the hard way too. I'd also suggest labeling the shut-off valve clearly. Mine was hidden behind some random boxes from the previous owner...not fun at 2 AM.
Labeling's helpful for sure, but honestly, in my experience, labels don't mean squat when you're half-awake and panicking. Better to practice locating and shutting it off a few times beforehand... muscle memory beats reading labels at 2 AM any day.
"muscle memory beats reading labels at 2 AM any day."
True enough, but let's be real—most folks aren't gonna rehearse shutting off their water valve regularly. If you're not the type to practice, at least do this: once or twice a year, just walk through the steps. Find the valve, make sure it turns smoothly (nothing worse than a stuck valve at crunch time...), and keep a wrench handy nearby. Takes five minutes tops, and you'll thank yourself later.
Fair point, but honestly, I've seen valves that turned fine during a quick check and still froze up months later. I'd say just having a backup plan—like knowing where your main shutoff at the street is—can save you big headaches.
Haha, been there, done that... and got the soaked basement to prove it. You're spot-on about valves seeming fine one minute and betraying you the next. I once confidently showed my wife how smoothly our shutoff valve turned, only to have it seize up completely when we actually needed it months later. Talk about embarrassing timing.
Your advice about knowing the main shutoff at the street is gold. I'd even add a quick tip: every few months, just give that street valve a gentle turn to make sure it's not rusted or stuck. Takes two minutes, tops, and saves you from looking like a frantic cartoon character running around with buckets when disaster strikes.
Anyway, good call on having a backup plan—pipes have a twisted sense of humor, don't they?
