"Another tip I'd add is to periodically test your shut-off valves. Over time, they can seize up, especially if they're rarely used."
This is spot-on advice. I can't stress enough how important it is to regularly check those valves. When I first started apprenticing, I thought my mentor was just being overly cautious when he insisted on testing valves every few months. But then we had a call where the main shut-off valve was completely stuck—rusted solid from years of neglect—and the homeowner was panicking as water flooded their basement. It took way longer than it should've to get things under control.
Ever since then, I've been pretty obsessive about valve maintenance. It's one of those small tasks that seems trivial until you're knee-deep in water at 2 AM. Better safe than sorry, right? Glad you brought this up—it's something everyone should take seriously.
"It's one of those small tasks that seems trivial until you're knee-deep in water at 2 AM."
Couldn't agree more. I'd also add—make sure everyone in your household knows exactly where the shut-off valves are and how to use them. I've lost count of how many times I've arrived at a job and found the homeowner frantically searching for the valve while water's pouring everywhere. A quick walkthrough every now and then can save you a ton of stress down the line... trust me on this one.
Definitely a good point about knowing the shut-off valves, but I'd go one step further—make sure you test them occasionally. I had a tenant once who knew exactly where the valve was, but when the pipe burst, the valve was rusted shut. Took ages to get it moving again while water kept pouring out. A quick check every few months can save you from a real nightmare scenario... learned that one the hard way.
Good advice overall, but honestly, checking valves every few months feels like a bit of overkill to me. Don't get me wrong—I'm all for being cautious, especially since I'm still pretty new to homeownership myself. But realistically, how many of us are actually going to remember or have time to do those regular checks? Between work, family stuff, and everything else going on, I know I'd definitely forget.
What I've found works better for me is just doing a thorough inspection once or twice a year—maybe before winter hits and again in the spring. I make a quick checklist of things around the house, and the shut-off valves are definitely on there. One thing I'd suggest is spraying a bit of lubricant or WD-40 on the valves during these checks. That way, even if you don't test them all the time, you're at least helping prevent rust from building up.
I learned this from my dad, who was pretty handy around the house. He said the main issue isn't usually forgetting where the valves are or even checking them all the time, but keeping them in decent shape so they actually work when you need them. Seems like a good compromise between constant checks and just hoping nothing goes wrong.
Also, another thing I'd recommend is having a plumber's wrench handy somewhere near your main valve. Even if the valve is a bit stubborn, sometimes a little extra leverage can do wonders. I picked one up cheap at the hardware store, and it's given me some peace of mind.
Anyway, just my two cents. I think it's great to be prepared, but it doesn't have to turn into another chore you dread every few months...
"One thing I'd suggest is spraying a bit of lubricant or WD-40 on the valves during these checks. That way, even if you don't test them all the time, you're at least helping prevent rust from building up."
Totally agree with this—rusty valves are the worst when you're already stressed about a leak. Had a late-night pipe burst last winter, and the valve was so stuck I nearly broke it off trying to shut it. Lesson learned: quick spray now saves panic later... trust me on this one.
