Naptime DIY: Go buy a water key

Before I was a husband and dad I was a college student.  It was during that time that learned every house must, without fail have a water key.  This really isn’t a DIY per se, rather two stories that illustrate how important a water key is, even though you may never use it.

A water key is simple device that turns off the water at the street.  It comes in various lengths, but only has one size and is a simple wrench like tool that turns the water off at the street.  Are you seeing a common theme as to why a water key is important?  A wrench, regardless of size will not do the job as quickly or as efficiently as a water key.

The first time I learned the lesson of needing a water key was when I was house sitting for someone in college.   I entered the house and found about 3” of water in the living room.  I panicked ran to a neighbor’s house and asked what to do.  They brought out their water key and my friends learned the value of insurance.

Recently one of our neighbors ran up to our door and said “I need a man”!  Well, thanks for the compliment, but she was obviously talking about a major leak in the second floor pipes that was cascading down onto the first floor. Her mother had found the water turn off switch in the ground and she was frantically trying to turn it using some pliers.

I went to the garage, found our water key and quickly turned off their water.  They had spent about ten minutes trying to turn the water off and in that time all of the ceiling’s downstairs, ceiling fans and carpet were ruined.   Additionally, I saw dozens of books, electronics and other things that shouldn’t have been wet laying in ruin.

A water key is very simple to use.  Just put the key in the notch that turns the water on and off and turn it to the right.  The hardest part about the process is finding the notch as it might be covered with weeds or dirt.  Rest assured it is not like Indiana Jones where a rodent, snake or human skull will pop out, even though it may look like that.

 

A water key costs between $9 and $50.  I have no idea what those expensive water keys do.  Unless it comes with a little band man who can sense water leaks before they happen it’s not worth if for the average home owner.  We bought ours for just over $10 and it’s the cheapest insurance policy that you’ll ever purchase.  Just know where your water shut off is at the street and turning the water off takes only a couple of seconds.