Things You Must Know: Turning Off Your Water Service

The recent spate of freezing temperatures in Los Angeles has made this a busy day for Los Angeles Firefighters, who are already vigilant for extreme fire weather driven by low humidity and erratic winds.

It is burst pipes and ruptured water mains however, that have kept our nearly 1,100 on-duty LAFD personnel busy across the nearly frozen 470 square-miles we serve, as Firefighters from Eagle Rock to Woodland Hills and San Pedro to Sylmar work almost non-stop from 103 Neighborhood Fire Stations in an effort to assist those facing a 'rising tide' or 'downward deluge' of water leaks.

Common to nearly every response has been the heartbreak of seeing personal property damaged or destroyed by water. Frustrating to Firefighters is the fact that much of this damage might have been avoided or abated with one simple act: turning off the home's water supply upon noting the leak!

In scores of cases, Firefighters arrive to find homeowners sheepishly admitting that they don't know how to turn off the water supply to their home. Given that we live in earthquake country, this is among the skills that every California resident needs to know.

...and puddles aren't the only clue. If your water suddenly stops running, runs very slowly after a few seconds, or is dirty, chances are you have a leak. As soon as you suspect a leak, it's time to play sleuth. In fact, time is of the essence.

There are usually two locations to shut off your water in case of a leak or broken pipe. The first, for most leaks within the home, is the master wheel valve located where the water service first enters the building.

For most leaks between the street and the home, there is a second valve located at the water meter between the meter and the curb. Turn off this valve in case of leaks outside the building.

When water leaks in your home or business, shut off the water promptly, and then protect people, pets and property.

In your effort to move water or protect valuables, be watchful for electric shock hazards. Sweep, mop or absorb water to the best of your ability without needlessly impacting neighboring properties. Don't delay contacting your insurance agent, and be certain to document the damage, your efforts and expenses. Emergency plumbers and disaster clean-up firms can be found in your telephone directory, and your insurance agent may offer additional recommendations.

In the City of Los Angeles, the rupture of any water main (i.e. large outside water lines serving your neighborhood) should be reported immediately to the Department of Water and Power (DWP) at 1-800-DIAL-DWP. If the floodwaters from a massive leak directly endanger life, you should call 9-1-1.

You can protect your home and family today by locating and labeling water shutoff valves at your residence and posting the telephone numbers for your local water utility such as DWP in a prominent place. Also make sure that all competent members of your family know the location of water shutoff valves, and the need to act calmly and promptly in the event of a ruptured pipe. It could make the difference between needing a mop and needing a mover!


Submitted by Brian Humphrey
Los Angeles Fire Department