Map your main shutoff valves
Summary: Find and label the main water shutoff and key fixture shutoffs so you can act fast in an emergency.
Before you start
Metro Vancouver homes face heavy rain, mixed housing ages, and evolving code requirements. This guide focuses on safe, practical steps you can do with basic tools, and it highlights where a licensed plumber is the right next move. Metro Vancouver homes face heavy rain, mixed housing ages, and evolving code requirements. This guide focuses on safe, practical steps you can do with basic tools, and it highlights where a licensed plumber is the right next move.
Metro Vancouver homes face heavy rain, mixed housing ages, and evolving code requirements. This guide focuses on safe, practical steps you can do with basic tools, and it highlights where a licensed plumber is the right next move. Metro Vancouver homes face heavy rain, mixed housing ages, and evolving code requirements. This guide focuses on safe, practical steps you can do with basic tools, and it highlights where a licensed plumber is the right next move.
Steps
- Locate the main shutoff where service enters the home.
- Identify ball valves vs gate valves and test gentle operation.
- Trace and label fixture shutoffs (toilet, sink, water heater, laundry).
- Create labeled photos and store them near the panel and on your phone.
- Share with household members.
Tools & materials
- Masking tape and marker
- Small adjustable wrench
- Pen and paper or phone
Common mistakes
Metro Vancouver homes face heavy rain, mixed housing ages, and evolving code requirements. This guide focuses on safe, practical steps you can do with basic tools, and it highlights where a licensed plumber is the right next move. Metro Vancouver homes face heavy rain, mixed housing ages, and evolving code requirements. This guide focuses on safe, practical steps you can do with basic tools, and it highlights where a licensed plumber is the right next move.
- Basic mapping 30–60 minutes
- Old valves that do not turn may need replacement
- Strata or condos may have building-level shutoffs only
Minimum service charge from $249 before tax. After-hours, permits, parts, and specialty equipment are extra.
Pro tip
Metro Vancouver homes face heavy rain, mixed housing ages, and evolving code requirements. This guide focuses on safe, practical steps you can do with basic tools, and it highlights where a licensed plumber is the right next move. Metro Vancouver homes face heavy rain, mixed housing ages, and evolving code requirements. This guide focuses on safe, practical steps you can do with basic tools, and it highlights where a licensed plumber is the right next move.
FAQs
If you are unsure, or see scorch marks, leaks that worsen, or a gas smell, stop and book a licensed plumber.
Some manufacturers require licensed service. Review your model’s manual.