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It may still feel like summer but before the cold weather sets in, now is the perfect time to locate your main water shut-off valve and hang an I.D. tag on it so you can find it quickly in an emergency. In many homes, it is located near the water meter or close to where the water pipe enters the home.

Note: If your pipes do freeze, you will need to be able to turn off your water immediately. Do NOT attempt to thaw the pipes without doing so.

It’s a good idea to test your main water shut-off valve to be sure it works properly. To test, slowly close it. If you have a ball valve, it generally only requires a quarter turn to close. Gate valves are generally closed by turning the handle clockwise and should turn easily. You may need to have it serviced if it does not close easily.

Once the shut-off valve is completely closed, check sinks and other water fixtures to make sure you found the main water valve and that it is working properly.

Need a tag? Click below for the print-ready file.

Other ways you can prepare your pipes for the cooler months:

• Check your sprinkler or irrigation systems. Make sure everything is turned off and drained well before freezing temperatures hit.
• Eliminate sources of cold air near water lines:
• Check for pipes in areas that might be prone to freezing, such as crawl spaces, unheated rooms, basements, garages, and exterior walls.
• Fix drafty windows, insulate walls around pipes, and plug drafts around doors.
• Protect your pipes. Where pipes are exposed to cold, wrap them with insulation or heat tape (even fabric or newspaper can help).
• When temperatures stay below freezing:
• If your pipes run through cabinets or vanities, open the doors to let warmer room temperatures flow in.
• Allow a small trickle of water to run. The cost of the extra water is typically lower than the cost of repairing a broken pipe (collect the dripping water with a bucket to use later to water indoor plants).