It’s always fun to get a party started but the real question is “Do you know how to STOP the potty when it is leaking?” Sadly, many homeowners/renters do not know where the water supply shut-off for their plumbing is located or how to turn it off. This is Home Care 101 and something everyone needs to know, even teenagers.
Here is my tale of how timing and basic DIY knowledge saved me a big disaster when I had to shut down my potty in a hurry: A few minutes before heading out for a full day of appointments, I heard a thud in my hall bathroom. That thud was immediately followed by the ominous sound of running water.
Within seconds, I had gallons of water pouring onto the floor in my second story bathroom. The water supply hose in the toilet tank split and the force of water made the tank lid come ajar and water was pouring out. Now what? If this happened at your place, what would you do?
A. Call your husband
B. Watch DIY Network
C. Panic and run around looking for towels, like a chicken with its head cut off
D. Confidently reach behind the toilet and shut off the water supply saving yourself hundreds in costly and aggravating repairs.
I hope you said D. This is one of those home disasters you can keep from imploding before your eyes. Water damage from uncontrolled leaks is very costly and messy.
Know the location of the shut off valve for your toilets (and all your plumbing, too). Most often, the toilet supply line is right under the toilet tank projecting from the wall on the end of a copper pipe. It could also be in the wall behind an access panel.
Check water supply line valves twice a year (when you change the clocks) to make sure they have not rusted in place. Remember righty tighty, lefty loosey. If there’s no valve in the bathroom, know where the whole house water main shut off is. It is usually in the basement or garage. If the valve won’t turn, apply some WD – 40 and try again in 30 minutes. Do not force it too hard because you may damage the copper pipe and create a bigger leak. If valves are seized (locked in place), you should have new valves installed by a plumber.
You know the old saying – “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Be a proactive homeowner who knows how to handle home emergencies. I hope you never need to face down a geyser in your potty but you will be real glad that you know how to turn off the water works!
