How to do the inventory
Bring a flashlight, your phone and this page. Do not force any valve; if one does not turn easily, note it and ask a plumber.
Find the unit main
In condos it may be in a utility closet, behind an access panel in a hallway ceiling, near the water heater, or under the kitchen sink. In some towers, units do not have their own main and building staff close a riser valve instead. Ask the engineer if you cannot find it.
Find fixture valves
Look under every sink, behind each toilet, behind the washer, under or behind the refrigerator, and at the water heater.
Read the supply lines
Note whether each line is braided stainless steel, plain rubber or plastic, or rigid copper, and look for a date stamp on the connector.
Photograph and label
Take a photo of each valve and add a small label or tag so anyone in the unit can find it.
Share it
Keep a copy for yourself, leave one in a kitchen drawer, and give one to whoever checks the unit when you travel.
Common weak points to look for
Inventory worksheet
| Location | Valve type | Turns freely? | Supply line material | Date on line or install year | Action needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unit main | n/a | ||||
| Kitchen sink | |||||
| Dishwasher | |||||
| Refrigerator or ice maker | |||||
| Primary bath sink | |||||
| Primary bath toilet | |||||
| Second bath sink | |||||
| Second bath toilet | |||||
| Washer | |||||
| Water heater |
Using the worksheet once it is filled in
Read down the last column first. Any valve that would not turn, any rubber hose, and any line older than its maker suggests are the items to fix before they fail. Group them into one plumber visit if you can, since many buildings limit contractor hours and require advance notice.
Then keep the page somewhere obvious. In a leak, the person who finds the water may be a house-sitter, a tenant or a building engineer who has never been inside your unit, and a labeled photo of the right valve saves them minutes that matter.
General information for Cherry Creek, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.