Turn the valve clockwise to shut off the water supply. It is a good idea for all family members to know the location of this valve. The most important precaution to take with your drains is to be careful about what you put into them. Keep kitchen sinks free from food and grease. Bathroom sinks should be cleaned regularly to prevent the accumulation of soap and hair.
Leaks are common but can usually be stopped by replacing the washers in the faucet nozzle.
Some faucets have cartridges which may need occasional replacement. Be sure to replace inexpensive faucet aerators when pressure seems low or if the spray pattern becomes uneven. If water leaks into the bowl, but not through the overflow pipe, this is due to the flush ball valve. The rods between the ball valve and the flush handle need aligning so that the ball drops straight down when the handle is pushed. If the ball or seat shows rust, it should be cleaned.