I tried turning my main water shut-off valve completely in clockwise (maybe
2 complete revs) to turn the water off. I tried it on 2 separate occasions recently. I then opened all the taps and flushed the 2 toilets on both the main and basement levels. I did nothing to the natural gas water heater close by. It has no separate water out shut-off, and I saw no reason to unplug it (built in exhaust fan) or turn off the gas.Both times the water ran on at the lowest open tap. I ran it for an hour or more. It is enough permanent leaking to fill up a cup in less than a minute. I believe it was cool water, if not cold.
The valve with the std. handle wheel I am talking about is just before the water meter coming up through the concrete foundation slab at the front of the house. The valve assembly is attached to the pipe and at meter with a hex threading similar to a gas fitting like the gas lines nearby. Hex on both ends, and also at the valve stem. Some 4" long or so, flower bulb shaped.
Is there any chance that the valve may not be broken? Do I need to do something else to get the water to stop completely? I recently painted around the pipes, and there is a out-jutting thingy at right angles that may be an air-release or something I don't know about that I painted over with white rust paint.
I've been reading about these things on the web and I may need to dig up my lawn, buy a wrench, call a plumber who may need to freeze the line, or other. Anyone add any help as to what/who/how much I'm looking at?
I'm in Toronto, ON.