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The most common situation in which you should turn off the main water shut-off valve is if there’s a leak in your home, such as in the kitchen or bathroom. Turning off the water supply can prevent further water damage.

You may want to turn off the valve before leaving for an extended period, in case of leaks or pipe bursts while you’re gone. If you’re going to work on plumbing fixtures or appliances, it’s also a good idea to shut off the main valve to ensure no water flow during repairs or installation.

Running hot water through frozen pipes can help thaw them, but it's not always a guaranteed solution. To prevent pipes from freezing in the first place, it’s crucial to open the hot and cold faucets connected to the frozen pipes and allow a slow, steady stream of water to flow. Additionally, applying gentle heat using a hairdryer or heat tape can expedite the thawing process. If the pipes remain frozen, professional assistance may be necessary to prevent damage.

If you notice that your toilet is leaking puddles near the base, the leak is coming from your toilet bowl, and the water could be unsanitary. This is a situation that needs to be dealt with immediately—call a nearby plumbing repair pro right away. A contained leak from tank to bowl is not as urgent a situation, but it could be raising the cost of your water bill—have it looked at as soon as you can.

If your shower is leaking when it’s off, it may not be an immediate cause for concern. After a shower, some water is left in the showerhead and will drip out after you turn the shower off. Other reasons include potential pressure or condensation in the pipes or thermal contraction when the pipes cool down after a hot shower. However, if the showerhead leaks continuously, call a pro to take a look.