6 Signs Your Home’s Water Main Valve is Failing

Your home’s water main valve is one of the most important plumbing fixtures in your house. When you have a plumbing emergency or are working on any aspect of your home's plumbing, turning off this valve is often one of the first steps to take.

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When this fixture starts to fail or stops working as expected, you’ll want to repair or replace it quickly. The last thing you need in that situation, after all, is to be unable to shut off the water.

What Is a Main Water Shutoff Valve?

The main water shutoff valve is the plumbing component that controls the flow of water in your home. You can typically find it in the basement near your main water line. It’s also sometimes found in the crawlspace or your yard. It comes in handy during emergencies when you need to stop water from entering your home, such as in the event of a burst pipe, or when trying to locate a leak. It’s not to be confused with service valves that only turn off water to specific appliances, such as the water heater or washing machines.

Notice Any of These? It's Time to Get Your Main Water Shutoff Valve Checked!

Leaks

Leaks are a clear indicator that something is wrong with the main valve. If you notice a puddle near the valve or water flowing down the handle, there is a good chance a leak is present. Some of the main causes of leaks are a mineral buildup that causes clogging or a loose packing nut. The valve seal might also wear out due to consistent wear and tear, allowing water to seep out. Call a professional plumber if you’re dealing with a significant leak near the valve or other areas, as water damage restoration can be expensive.

Difficulty Using the Valve

The valve itself might not close or open as easily as it once did. If you have to use a lot of force to open or close it, it’s a sign that it’s on its last days. You don’t want to wait until you have a water emergency with a broken pipe to find out that it’s very difficult to turn the valve off.

Rust or Corrosion

Since the water valve is exposed to moisture, the material can start to visibly corrode or rust. You’ll also begin to see discoloration. While it may continue to function for a while after this happens, it can eventually deteriorate to the point where it may not fully turn. One way to address this issue is to clean and lubricate it. White vinegar can also help eliminate existing corrosion. But if that doesn’t help, you may just need to replace the valve.

High Water Bills

Higher than usual water bills are always a common sign that something has gone wrong with your plumbing. If you’ve noticed a slight increase in your water bill, it may mean that the valve is either leaking or not closing fully. When a valve doesn’t fully close, it also makes it difficult to determine the source of a leak. You can save money in the long run by calling a plumber for an inspection to determine what’s causing the spike in your bills.

Low Water Pressure

Low water pressure can mean that the water valve isn’t fully opening to allow all the water your home needs. This often occurs after you turn the valve off and try to turn it back on. Low water pressure may also be related to clogs that build up in the valve and pipes due to minerals like calcium and magnesium. One way to determine whether the valve or certain pipes are causing the low water pressure is to check if the pressure is low throughout your entire house. If the pressure is low only in certain areas, then the problem might be a specific clog in those pipes. However, if the entire home is experiencing the issue, a faulty valve may be the problem, and you’ll need to replace it.

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How Much Does It Cost to Replace the Main Water Valve?

If you notice any of the signs above, you will either want to see if it’s possible to simply repair or replace the valve. Corrosion can be fixed by lubricating and using vinegar, but other issues, like water leaks, indicate that a replacement is the best solution. Expect to pay anywhere from $200 to $500 to replace a main water valve. If you have a significant water leak and need a plumber quickly, you’ll pay closer to the high end for an emergency service.

Labor makes up the biggest expense, since the valve itself might only cost $20 to $50. Still, hiring a plumber to replace the valve is often the best course of action. While it may seem like an easy DIY project, some water valves require soldering, while others might use compression fittings. As with most plumbing projects, a trained and certified plumber is the best person for the job.