💧 Water Resilience
Water shutoffs, leak response, storage, filtration, and detection—practical homeowner readiness before/during/after disruptions.
0 articles
Water Resilience
Know your shutoffs, stop leaks fast, and keep basic water needs covered—without turning your home into a warehouse.
Water damage is one of the most expensive homeowner problems, and most of it is preventable with a few simple preparations.
If You Have a Leak Right Now
First 10 minutes matter most:
- ✅ Shut off the water — Fixture shutoff first, then main if needed
- ✅ Contain the water — Towels, buckets, wet/dry vac
- ✅ Protect floors and belongings — Move items, use plastic
- ✅ Start drying immediately — Fans, dehumidifier, open windows
- ✅ Take photos — Document everything for insurance
- ✅ Decide: DIY or pro — Major leaks or burst pipes = call a plumber
The 3 Shutoffs Every Homeowner Must Know
1. Main Water Shutoff
Where: Usually near where water enters your home—basement, crawl space, utility closet, or outside near the meter.
How: Turn clockwise (righty-tighty) or perpendicular to pipe (ball valve).
Action: Find it NOW. Label it. Make sure everyone in your household knows where it is.
2. Fixture Shutoffs
Where: Under sinks, behind toilets, behind washing machine.
How: Small valves that control water to individual fixtures.
Action: Test them periodically—old valves can seize up.
3. Water Heater Shutoff
Where: On the cold water inlet pipe above your water heater.
How: Turn off to stop water heater leaks from continuing.
Gas Water Heaters
If you have a gas water heater and suspect a gas leak (rotten egg smell), leave immediately and call your gas company. Don’t flip switches or light flames.
Before / During / After
Water Disruption Response
Before
- Must do
Find and label your main water shutoff
- Should do
Keep a shutoff wrench accessible
- Should do
Install leak sensors under sinks and near water heater
- Should do
Know how to shut off your water heater
- Nice to have
Store 1 gallon per person per day for 3 days
During
- Must do
Shut off water at appropriate valve
- Must do
Contain water and protect belongings
- Should do
Document damage with photos
- Must do
Start drying process immediately
After
- Must do
Inspect for hidden moisture
Check under cabinets, behind walls if accessible
- Should do
Watch for musty smells (mold indicator)
- Should do
Restock supplies and test sensors
- Nice to have
Review and improve your water plan
Leak Response Library
Under-Sink Leak
Most common cause: loose connections or worn supply lines.
- Turn off fixture shutoffs
- Clear out under sink
- Identify source (supply line, drain, disposal, faucet)
- Tighten or replace as needed
Toilet Overflow
- Turn off toilet shutoff (behind toilet)
- Don’t flush again
- Use plunger if clog-related
- Check flapper and fill valve if running
- Call plumber if issue persists
Basement Water Intrusion
- Identify source (wall seepage, floor drain backup, appliance)
- Run sump pump if applicable
- Start dehumidifier
- Check gutters and drainage outside
- Consider waterproofing if recurring
Musty Smell After Water
Don’t ignore this — it often means moisture is trapped and mold is starting.
- Find and address the moisture source
- Increase ventilation
- Run dehumidifier
- Consider professional inspection if smell persists
Buy Smarter: Detection + Protection
Leak Sensors vs Auto-Shutoff Valves
| Factor | Leak Sensors | Auto-Shutoff Valves |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $20-50 each | $200-500+ installed |
| Function | Alert you to leaks | Alert + automatically shut off water |
| Installation | DIY | Often professional |
| Best for | Early detection | Vacation homes, high-risk areas |
Our take: Start with leak sensors in key locations (under sinks, near water heater, by washing machine). Consider auto-shutoff if you travel frequently or have had water damage.
Water Storage Basics
You don’t need a bunker. A few gallons per person handles most short-term disruptions.
- How much: 1 gallon per person per day, 3-day minimum
- Containers: Food-grade plastic, no milk jugs (hard to sanitize)
- Rotation: Replace every 6-12 months
- Location: Cool, dark place away from chemicals
Filtration Types
| Type | Best For | Removes |
|---|---|---|
| Pitcher | Taste improvement | Chlorine, some contaminants |
| Faucet mount | Convenience | More contaminants than pitcher |
| Under-sink | Serious filtration | Most contaminants |
| Whole-house | Well water, hard water | Sediment, scale, some contaminants |
Note: No filter removes everything. Check what your specific filter is rated for.
Upgrades That Prevent Damage
- Replace old shutoff valves — Quarter-turn ball valves are more reliable
- Add drip trays — Under water heater, washing machine, fridge
- Install leak sensors — $20-50 per location, worth every penny
- Improve drainage — Gutters, downspout extensions, grading away from foundation
- Insulate pipes — Prevents freezing (see Weather Hardening)
Make It a Routine
Quarterly:
- Exercise shutoff valves (turn them, make sure they work)
- Check leak sensor batteries
- Inspect under sinks for drips
Seasonally:
- Freeze prep (disconnect hoses, insulate exposed pipes)
- Check water heater for signs of rust or leaks
Annually:
- Rotate stored water
- Inspect water heater anode rod (if tank-style)
Families + Pets
- Store water safely — Keep containers where kids can’t knock them over
- Pet hydration — Have extra water stored for pets, especially in heat
- Kid-accessible shutoffs — Consider if older kids should know main shutoff location
Related
- Washer won’t drain
- Plumbing & Water hub
- Weather Hardening — Freeze prep
- Power Outages — Sump pump considerations
- ← Back to Resilience
Articles
No articles in this hub yet.