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| Gate valve. © Eugene Brennan |
Identify where all your water valves are for shutting off supplies in an emergency. Tie a label on the pipe close by, or write the function on the wall behind with a thick marker. Gate valves (the one with the red knob in the photos) can and do seize, so it's a good idea to "exercise" them by turning off and back on again at least once a year. Gate valves turn off clockwise. Quadrant valves usually turn off when the lever is at right angles to the pipe. Mini inline valves can be turned off with a screwdriver and are off when the slot is at right angles to the pipe.
Quadrant or ball valve. © Eugene Brennan 
Mini inline valve. © Eugene Brennan