Blog | Brentwood, TN 37027
How to Shut Off Water at the Meter
Every Brentwood homeowner should know where the water meter is and how to shut it off, because the day a pipe bursts is not the day to learn. The meter usually sits in a box near the street, at the edge of the yard, ofte...
Every Brentwood homeowner should know where the water meter is and how to shut it off, because the day a pipe bursts is not the day to learn. The meter usually sits in a box near the street, at the edge of the yard, often under a small metal or plastic lid. Inside is the meter and a shut-off valve. On most Brentwood homes the valve is a ball valve with a handle, or a gate valve with a wheel. Turn a ball valve handle a quarter turn so it sits across the pipe. Turn a gate valve wheel clockwise until it stops. Then open a tap inside the house: if the water stops, the shut-off worked. If the valve is stiff, do not force it. A valve that has not moved in years can break, and a broken valve is a second problem on top of the first. A pair of pliers with a cloth can help a stiff handle, but if it will not move, call us and we will free or replace it. You should also know the main shut-off inside the house, usually where the line enters, often in a utility room or garage, and the shut-off at each fixture, under sinks and behind toilets. In an emergency, the meter shut-off is the one that stops all water to the house. Use it when a pipe bursts, when a heater leaks heavily, or when water is spreading and you cannot find the source. After you shut it off, call (615) 576-1152, move valuables off the floor, and take photos of the damage for insurance. Practice finding the meter on a dry day. It takes five minutes, and it is the cheapest insurance a homeowner can buy.
What to Do Next
If this article describes your home, start with the simple check it gives, then call us if the check points to a problem. A meter reading, a warm floor, or a sound in a quiet house are all worth a call, and a call costs nothing. For the service behind this article, see emergency plumbing, our common problems guide, and our service areas in Brentwood.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where is my water meter?
Usually in a box near the street, at the edge of the yard, under a small metal or plastic lid. If you cannot find it, call us and we will help you locate it.
What if the valve will not turn?
Do not force it. A valve that has not moved in years can break. Call us and we will free or replace it.
Should I shut off water when I go on holiday?
It is a good idea for a long trip, especially in winter. Shut it off at the meter or the main valve, and drain the lines if a freeze is coming.
What is the difference between the meter valve and the main valve?
The meter valve is at the street and stops all water to the house. The main valve is inside, where the line enters, and does the same thing from inside.
Need Help With This?
Call now and tell us what is happening. We will give you a plain answer and a visit time.
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