KNOW YOUR HOME'S PLUMBING SYSTEM, AND HOW TO SHUT OFF THE WATER IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

Every homeowner should be familiar with the location of the shut-off valves to their home's plumbing system, and should make sure these shut-off valves are in good working order.

In case of an emergency - a water heater leaking, a pipe bursts - or when making minor plumbing repairs, you'll need to be able to shut the water off either to a fixture in your home, or to the entire water plumbing system.

You need to locate the shut-off valve for each plumbing fixture: at every sink, faucet, toilet, etc. You also need to know where the main shut-off valve is, where your plumbing system enters the home.

After locating the valves, be sure each valve is in good working order. Shut-off valves, as they age, can become unfunctional, meaning the might freeze either in the open position - not allowing you to shut off the water should an emergency arise - or they may freeze in the closed position -meaning you won't be able to turn the water back on to that fixture, or to the entire house.

Checking these valves periodically, and making sure they work properly, is just good homeowner maintenance.