What the map is for
In a backup, the person at home may not be the person who knows the house. A simple floor plan with the main shutoff, the outdoor cleanout and the bathrooms marked lets anyone stop the water and point a plumber in the right direction.
It does not need to be accurate to the inch. A sketch on graph paper, a printout of a floor plan with notes, or annotated photos on your phone all work.
Building the map
- Sketch the outline.Draw the house footprint and mark the street side, garage and yards.
- Mark every drain.Add each toilet, tub, shower, sink, laundry standpipe and floor drain.
- Find the main shutoff.Locate the valve where water enters the house, often at the front or side, and mark it.
- Find the meter.Note where the water meter box sits, usually near the street.
- Find the cleanout.Mark the main outdoor cleanout and any indoor cleanouts you find.
- Guess the route.Draw a dashed line from the bathrooms to the cleanout and on toward the street; a camera can confirm it later.
Fixture shutoff list
| Fixture | Has its own shutoff? | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Toilets | Usually | Behind the toilet near the floor |
| Bathroom and kitchen sinks | Usually | Under the sink |
| Washing machine | Usually | Hose valves behind the machine |
| Tubs and showers | Often not | Use the main shutoff |
| Water heater | Usually | Cold supply line at the top |
Test what you mark
- Turn the main shutoff off and on once to be sure it moves; if it is stuck, do not force it
- Check that fixture valves close without leaking
- Clear plants and mulch from around the cleanout cap
- Make sure the meter box lid can be lifted
Terms on the map
- Main shutoff
- The valve that stops all water entering the house.
- Meter shutoff
- A valve at the meter, sometimes requiring a special key; check with your water provider before using it.
- Cleanout
- A capped access point into the drain line.
- Lateral
- The sewer pipe from the house to the public sewer.
Common questions
My main shutoff won't turn. What now?
Do not force it, since old valves can break. Ask a plumber to service or replace it, and ask your water provider about the meter shutoff for emergencies.
Does shutting off the water stop a sewer backup?
It stops new water from being added by fixtures, which is what feeds the backup inside the house.
Where can I learn the exact drain route?
A camera inspection with a locator can trace it from above ground.
General information for Stanton, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.