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Could Everyone in Your Household Quickly Find the Water Main Shut-off in a Flood Emergency? FloodCo sees proof every day that Water leaks never give an advance warning. 

Doing this one very simple thing before an indoor flood strikes can help to minimize damage should a flood happen in your home (or workplace). Murphy’s Law kicks in when the one person in the family who might know where the utility shutoffs are located is away and cannot be reached by phone.

‘Call 911 and hope for an emergency responder’ is not a disaster response plan. The same important reason you want to identify all the circuits in the main electric panel applies to locating and flagging the main water shutoff valve.

Every family member or service professional should be able to find a clear path to the water shutoff valve in case a frozen pipe ruptures or the washing machine supply line turns into a geyser. Many gallons of damaging water can flow through a home in the time it takes to call for help or wander in a dark basement or crawlspace searching for a hidden and possibly submerged shut off valve.

A little water spraying in an upstairs laundry room can quickly become an emergency running through a ceiling and raining onto precious hardwood floors in a downstairs living room.

Placing a big bold Water Shutoff Tag will help locate the valve when you urgently need to stop the flood. You can usually find the main water valve near where it enters the building through the foundation. It can also be at the pressure tank if you are on a private well. Be sure that valve can be turned easily. A plumber can refit an old valve with a much faster and easier lever type valve. Be sure stuff is not stored and hiding the main valve and obstructing easy access.

Hold a quick demonstration or ‘fire drill’ with kids or spouse (or employees at work) so that everyone understands how to safely respond if a gusher or slow leak appears. Household or business floods are expensive to dry out and remediation costs escalate dramatically with a large volume of spilled water. All should understand why excess water is a family emergency and what to do and who to call if it happens.

Always be certain that the electric power is shut off before entering wet or submerged areas in the basement or crawlspace of a home. Never risk electrocution just to turn off a water valve-your life is much more valuable than property! Keep a good quality flashlight (with fresh batteries) near the door or hatch to your mechanical room or crawlspace.

FloodCo LLC will be happy to respond quickly should a flood disrupt your world. We are always glad to answer your questions. Plus we offer free moisture checks within our NW Montana service area.

Call us anytime daytime or nighttime at 406 892-1717 or visit our website


Posted by Lloy 

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