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Show iSoflNTS POR V OMEOWNEfcS 'Fix It Yourself For Safety & Economy EMERGENCIES -LEAKY PIPES If you're the average homeowner, home-owner, learning what to do when you have a leaky pipe can save you many dollars in damages to your home. The first step is to shut off the water supply to the break. Make it a rule to know where the shutoff valves in your house or apartment are located. Valves are often under or near plumbing fixtures. fix-tures. The hot water supply SHUT OFF OR SHIP OUT-The OUT-The main shutoff will turn off all water in an emergency. for the entire house can generally gen-erally be turned off at the hot water heater. If necessary, cut off all water in the house by closing the main water valve. A good do-it-yourself manual will usually show you how to make emergency repairs. re-pairs. One that does this in clear, concise language has been compiled by the editors of Reader's Digest with the help of experts in every field. The "Fix-It-Yourself Manual" shows you how to fix 1,001 things that can go wrong around the house, and is available at bookstores. Emergency repairs can range from taking temporary measures while waiting for the plumber, to making repairs re-pairs that will last for years. But even minor leaks should be attended to promptly to prevent further damage. Leaks tend to enlarge over a period of time and dripping water can damage plaster, stain paint and wallpaper and create an electric hazard. Knowing what to do can not only save on repair bills, but on determining how much your house is worth when you're ready to sell it. |