We all have the American dream of owning a home and with it, comes the responsibility of knowing how to take care of and maintain it. Homeowner’s must deal with sudden emergencies, such as a burst water heater or pipe at any given minute.  For these situations, it is better to be prepared then not.  That’s why the Cleveland Division of Water wants you to know some helpful hints about your home and various maintenance tips to ensure consistent water service and billing.

Identify Water Turn On/Off Valves:

Every home owner should know where the water main turn off and turn on valves are for individual appliances, such as sinks, toilets, washing machines and water heater.  Knowing where it is located, in an emergency situation, prevents costly damages many of us can do without.  Understanding where the valves are located can assist you with regular household tasks and help you avoid additional emergency situations.

Away on Vacation:

When you leave for a long vacation, it is a good idea to turn off the water in your home.  This helps to avoid the unpleasant surprise of a swimming pool in your basement when you return.  Frozen pipes that split opened or spring a leak are the most common causes for a flooded basement.  To turn your water off, simply locate the valve located next or close to your meter and turn it to the off position.

Identifying Leaks:

You should first identify where your base meter and outside remote counter are located.  Comparing the reading of your base meter and your outside remote counter can tell you if a leak exists on your property.  Another way to tell if you have a leak is to look at the test hand on the base meter.  If you know there is no water running and yet the test hand is moving, this is a good indication you have a leak somewhere.  A leak can cost thousands of dollars if left unchecked.  Some of the most common locations for leaks are: toilets, faucets, shower head, and worn washers.