Don't Touch

You can cause some serious damage to your old home by messing about with the plumbing. If you just have to do something yourself, at least look at this before you destroy something.

1. Find the main shut off valve and make sure it works. Look for a pipe going through a foundation wall. Do this even if you know you have zone valves. You will be surprised how easily an old, unused valve breaks. If this bubba is leaking or will not shut off, call the city water department NOW!	Water main with meter
2. Locate zone valves and make sure they work. Find both the hot and cold water valves. Have someone go to the area you are going to work on and turn on the water. Turn off the zone valves until your helper tells you the water is off. (Radio Shack has inexpensive short range radios) TAG each valve as 'hot" or "cold" and the area it shuts off.	So...which valve is hot or cold? Hah! Left valve is for outside faucet!! Put a tag on each and every valve.
3. Make reservations at a local hotel You know you are going to screw this up and you might as well have someplace to take a shower that night. Be sure to leave the hotel number with the plumber's message service.	Check the Yellow Pages for a hotel near you.