Where your main water shutoff is, and how to use it
When a pipe bursts, the main shutoff is the one valve that matters. Find it and test it now, while nothing is leaking.
Where to look
- Where the water line enters the house, often near the front hose bib
- In the garage, near the water heater or on the wall facing the street
- In a box at the curb or in the front yard, at the meter
Many homes have a shutoff at the house and another at the meter. The one at the house is usually the one to use.
How to use it
A ball valve with a lever handle closes with a quarter turn: the handle across the pipe means closed. A gate valve with a round handle turns clockwise to close and may take several turns. Turn it slowly and do not force it.
If the valve will not turn, or it drips when you move it, have it replaced before an emergency tests it for you.
Also know the fixture valves
Most sinks and toilets have small shutoff valves underneath, and the water heater has a cold-supply valve on top. Closing the closest valve lets you stop a leak without turning off water to the whole house.
We install and replace main shutoff valves and main water lines. Contact us if yours is stuck or leaking.
