Having water when and where we need it is something most of us take for granted -- that is, until a household pipe breaks or a faucet won't turn off. GWD's responsibility for water service extends up to and includes your home's meter box. Starting from the customer master valve located on the meter, ownership, maintenance and repair of plumbing is the customer's responsibility.

The following are some tips to help you deal with household plumbing emergencies. If you discover a cracked or broken pipe in your home, look to see if there's a shut-off valve near the trouble's source. Some possible locations are:

Water Heater -- located at the top of your tank. If you drain the tank and do not refill it immediately be sure to shut off the gas or electricity to the water heater. (Note: in a disaster, such as an earthquake or flood, the water heater is a valuable source of clean drinking water.)

Bathroom -- look beneath washbasins and on toilet water supply lines.

Kitchen -- check below the sink for control valves regulating the hot and cold water supply lines.

If a valve can't be located near the source of the trouble, find and turn off the master valve, located on the house side of the meter in the meter box. Closing this valve will shut off all the water to your home.

If you discover a ruptured or leaking water main in the street or a broken fire hydrant, please call the following number without delay, so a District repair crew can be dispatched immediately: 964-6761