I think very important, and thank you for reminding me to make sure I have this in my build (as I do in my current home). I know a couple different people who suddenly sprang a leak at their washer, and needed to shut off the water. You could also shut water off at the house source, but that would shut everything down until repairs could be made. At any rate, I'd make sure there was a shut off as close to the washer as I could/can possibly make it!

I'd make sure that to one side of the stacked units the cabinet, counter, whatever you'll have, is not as tall as the stacked units. Make it so you can reach over to the offset shut off as geoffrey suggested. Access to a shut off is important.

Agreed. Have it for easy access, and low. If you cannot access from the laundry room (without moving heavy stuff), AND you have an underlying basement, have a shutoff just underneath it, if you can't access it from the laundry proper. AND a stepstool to hand, if the ceiling is high/you are short (OR anyone at home at the time!) No underlying basement? You seriously need one in the laundry room proper, and low enough that gravity won't compound any flooding issues.

Access Panels

Things like shut off valves, outlets, etc. are often hidden or photoshopped out of pictures because they aren't pretty.

http://homefixated.com/timeout-automatic-shut-off-valve/

Great point about the photo shop Veda. We all need to remember that a house has to be more than just pretty.

Thanks all, very helpful. Confirms we need to make this a priority.

You need these! I make a habit of shutting them off when I'm through doing laundry for the day. Hoses can break and make a horrific mess, especially if washer is on 1st or 2nd floor. It's a good habit to develop.

I also got Cutoff valve called Floodsafe or something like that which would automatically cut off the water if flow started and the washer was not turned on as an added safety feature.

Most floods occur from old hoses.

The hoses need to be replaced every five years.

Having a shut off at the outlet only helps with service. Shutting the valves off does not prevent hose damage as it's under continuous pressure. You would need a shut off at the inlet of the hose to keep it from being under continuous pressure.

Hi all,

[Almost] a new homeowner and I'm in this situation. Given how important this is, do we try to negotiate credit from the seller for the cost we'd incur to create an access panel on the wall next to the that of where the laundry unit is located?

You can try to negotiate anything with the seller. Depends on how eager they are to sell and how many other buyers are in the market. What does your realtor say?

Hi Susie,

Realtor says it's a fat chance the seller will budge. They never incurred problems so they'll probably use that excuse as to why there is no need for immediate credit. I can do the work myself, but would be nice to even get a couple bucks ($30) for an access panel from home depot.. at least.

Water main shutoff works for this purpose.

Some realtors do not like to negotiate at all for fear the contract will fall through. My POV is that it does not hurt to ask. However, if you really want the home and think that there is enough competition in the market, you may want to just worry about it later. If that's the only thing wrong with the house it sounds like you found a winner.

As long as there is a main shutoff that's easily accessible, then Jeffrey is right. However, some older homes (or those built by short-sighted builders) may not have one. In that case, I'd ask for a main shutoff to be installed where it is easily accessible. We have owned some rental properties where you have to call the city or a plumber to come shut it off.

So a buyer is going to nickel and dime the seller during escrow for $30. On a $80K house? $350K house? $800K house? $1.5mil house? Really?

While you are at it, the bathtub probably does not have it's own shut offs, so you'll have to use the main for that. Ask for a credit there too.

Then, ask for a credit for the hose bib as that probably does not have it's own shut off.

Then, ask for a credit for the elevator since the house does not have one of those either.

Then, ask for a credit for . . . .

My thoughts exactly.

All my watery appliances jave water alarms which tuen off water when it is sensed outside the appliance. This includes dishwasher, washer and refrigerator which has an ice maker. i also have Smitty pans inder all of them which catch any stray water which work in conjunction with the water shut off aoarms. My Bosch washer has double hoses which are extra sturdy.

The water alarms work really well as i have my HVAC in the ceiling over the entry and whenever there was a backup it would overflow and ruin the ceiling. Since installing the alarm, the system shut down and no drips or ruined ceiling.

I appreciate all the insights - even the sarcastic ones! Main shutoff is in the basement, and that shutoff is for the entire condo (8 units). Makes sense not to waste time on a mere $30 if everything else looks good and works great.