Several unlabeled valves are a reason to request an identification visit, not to test them one by one. Ask a plumber to explain the household water controls they can verify and leave a clear record for the people responsible for the property. The useful result is an agreed label, an access boundary and the right contact when help is needed.
Ask For Identification Before Labels
Tell the plumber that you want a household handoff covering the water controls at the address. Mention shared buildings, a private well or irrigation equipment if applicable, and ask whether another specialist or the utility must identify part of the system. Use existing records; do not open covers, enter confined areas or operate an unfamiliar valve to prepare.
A label must describe what the professional actually verified. “Main water” is not enough if several buildings or separate systems are involved. Ask which controls serve only your dwelling, which affect others, and which must be left to an authorized operator.
Record The Handoff In Seven Fields
Use one entry per verified control. Keep any operating instructions supplied by the professional with the record rather than inventing a generic direction to turn a handle.
| Field | What To Record Or Confirm |
|---|---|
| Location label supplied by plumber | The exact label and a safe location description or professional-supplied photo reference. |
| System served | Which dwelling, fixture group or other water system the professional confirms it controls; record unresolved identification. |
| Authorized users | Who the utility, building manager or responsible professional says may operate it. |
| Professional instructions location | Where the applicable provider or manufacturer instructions are kept and who supplied them. |
| Access restriction | Locked area, shared equipment, utility-only control or other limit; identify who arranges access. |
| Emergency service contact | The responsible local utility, building contact and plumbing service, with the date the contact was checked. |
| Handoff date | Who completed the identification and explanation, and which household representative received it. |
Keep Utility Controls Separate
Rules depend on the utility and the equipment. Seattle Public Utilities, for example, distinguishes customer home valves from meter arrangements and says some older meter valves may be operated only by SPU crews. This is a Seattle example, not authorization to handle a meter elsewhere. Ask your own utility about the equipment at your address.
If the plumber cannot confirm who controls a device, leave that entry unresolved and get the utility or property manager’s instructions. A printed sticker does not create permission to operate shared or utility equipment.
Use A Specific Visit Request
Illustrative case: a new owner has three unlabeled valves and an old note marked “water.” The owner asks a plumber to identify the controls, document what each verified valve serves and explain who may use it. An unresolved meter-side control is referred to the utility instead of receiving a guessed label.
A message to adapt: “Please quote a water-control identification and labeling handoff. Explain what you can verify, any utility or shared-building limits, and the written instructions you will leave. Please quote any repair or replacement separately before proceeding.”
Share The Record With The Right People
Keep a private copy where responsible household members or an authorized property manager can find it. Avoid publishing access codes, detailed security arrangements or contact information in a public photo. Tell the household which entries remain unverified.
This sheet does not teach valve operation, authorize a repair or determine compliance with local plumbing rules. During an active hazard, follow emergency-service or utility instructions rather than waiting to complete labels.
Questions Homeowners Ask
Should I Turn Each Valve To See What Stops?
No. This planning sheet calls for professional identification and applicable instructions, not trial operation of unfamiliar equipment.
Can A Tenant Arrange Labels For Shared Equipment?
Ask the property manager and utility who is responsible and authorized. Do not assume that access to a shared area permits changing or operating its controls.
Sources And Local Resources
Sources checked November 3, 2026. Confirm current requirements with the authority responsible for your property.
- Seattle Public Utilities: Water Shutoff GuidanceAddress-specific example distinguishing home valves and meter types, including utility-only operation for older meters; not a nationwide operating instruction.