Why a map beats memory
During a backup, the person at home may not be the one who knows where things are. A babysitter, a house guest or a teenager needs to find the main water shutoff in a minute, not twenty. A one-page sketch taped inside the garage or a utility closet solves that.
Drawing the map also tells you what you are missing. Many owners discover a buried cleanout, a stuck shutoff valve or a toilet supply valve that will not turn, and it is far better to learn that on a quiet afternoon.
Mark these on your sketch
- Main water shutoff to the house, and the tool needed to turn it
- The city water meter, usually in a box near the street or sidewalk
- Outdoor sewer cleanout or cleanouts
- Any indoor cleanout in a garage, laundry area or closet
- Shutoff valves under each sink and behind each toilet
- Water heater location and its cold-water shutoff
- Washing machine supply valves
- The electrical panel, in case water reaches outlets
- The gas meter and shutoff, for reference only
Making the map
- Sketch the outline.Draw the house footprint, the driveway and the street side. Exact scale does not matter.
- Walk the outside.Find the cleanout and the main water shutoff. Photograph each one with something in the frame for reference, like a downspout or hose bib.
- Walk the inside.Open every sink cabinet and look behind every toilet. Mark each valve, and note any that are stiff or leaking.
- Post it and share it.Keep the sketch somewhere obvious and send a photo of it to everyone in the household.
Typical spots in Fullerton homes
- Main shutoff
- Often where the water line enters, frequently at the front of the house
- Meter
- Box near the street or sidewalk; the city water utility owns the meter
- Cleanout
- Often along the foundation on the street side, sometimes near the property line
- Water heater
- Garage, closet or exterior closet, with seismic straps
Check while you map
- Does the main shutoff turn fully by hand or with the right tool?
- Is the cleanout cap intact and clear of soil and plants?
- Do the toilet and sink valves close completely?
- Is anything leaking at a valve after you operate it?
Common questions
Should I test the main shutoff?
Turning it occasionally helps keep it from seizing. If it is stiff or leaks when turned, have a plumber look at it rather than forcing it.
Can I shut off water at the meter?
The meter belongs to the city water utility. Use your own house shutoff where possible, and check with the City of Fullerton about meter valves.
Does shutting off water stop a sewer backup?
It stops fixtures and appliances from adding more water, which keeps a backup from getting worse. It does not clear the clog.
General information for Fullerton, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.