FAQ

1. If you shut off the water to the house but do not shut off the gas what happens to the water heater?

Unless your water tank runs dry, it is generally safe to leave the gas on. If is runs dry, you need to turn off the gas to it.

2. If you shut off the water to the house should you also, automatically, shut off the gas?

Not necessarily. The gas only needs to go off if you suspect a leak or are advised by emergency personnel to do so (except w/ water tank as advised in question 1 above).

3. If you shut off the water to the house should you go around and drain the house faucets into buckets?

This is not advised for two reasons. First, you have a pressure tank on your system and a backflow check valve as required by codes on newer construction. Second, the water is not likely to become contaminated once the supply is cut off and the pipes and water tank provide good storage.

4. If you shut off the water to the house should you drain the outside faucets?

See answer to #3 above.

5. It has been mentioned that if you have a company like Comcast, internet based, for your phone system and you dial 9-1-1 is would not show your home address. I will continue to advise people to check with their carried if they don’t have a standard phone company to make sure.

The Comcast issue refers to what are called VOIP (voice over internet protocol) phones. Some of those carriers have registered their services with 911, but not all. It is recommended that you check with your phone carrier, if you have an internet based phone company.

6. If the power goes out and you have a company like Comcast, internet based, your phone will not work.

Comcast says that if you have them as your carrier you should have an Arris modem box and that if you have an old fashioned hard wired type phone it should work for about 2-4 hours after a power outage. Depending on how much you use the phone will depend on how long the box will last. Once the box loses it charge you will no longer be able to use your hard wired phone. Again it is recommended that you check with your phone carrier directly.