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Yes, it is safe to turn off the main water valve. As long as you don’t force the shut-off valve and break it, you can’t damage the water supply pipes by shutting off the water. We wouldn’t recommend shutting it off regularly without a good reason. However, when you need to know what to do in a plumbing emergency, shutting off the water main is a safe way to reduce water damage inside your home.

Copper pipes are the safest type of pipe for carrying drinking water because they won't leach chemicals into your drinking water. However, for the best water quality, you should use copper pipes with lead-free joint material. The next best options for carrying drinking water are CPVC and PEX pipes.

If you use copper pipes for drinking water, you should check your water’s pH level. If it has a pH value lower than seven, you'll need to balance your water acidity with a purifier to avoid corrosion that could affect your drinking water quality. 

The average cost to hire a plumber is typically between $45 and $200 per hour, with a common average rate around $125 per hour. This cost can vary based on your location, the plumber's experience, and the complexity of the job. Rates are often broken down by experience level: an apprentice may charge $45 to $90 an hour, a journeyman $60 to $110 an hour, and a master plumber $80 to $200 an hour. While hourly rates are standard, some plumbers may charge a flat fee for routine projects or offer project-based pricing. It's also common for plumbers to charge a minimum service or trip fee. For reference, some typical flat-rate costs for common jobs include: drain unclogging ($220), leaky faucet repair ($270), burst pipe repair ($400), toilet repair ($300), and water heater repair ($600). Note that these rates are for standard service hours; emergency, holiday, and after-hours calls will cost significantly more.

You can pour bleach down the toilet as long as you dilute it since undiluted bleach can damage your toilet bowl. If you choose to use bleach to remove stains from your toilet, mix every cup of bleach with a gallon of water. You should also follow safety precautions when using bleach, like working in a well-ventilated area, wearing gloves, and never mixing it with any other cleaner.