How to Find and Use Your Main Water Shutoff Valve

When a pipe bursts every second counts. Knowing where your main water shutoff is can be the difference between a quick cleanup and thousands of dollars in water damage. If you live in our area here is how to find yours fast.

1. Check the Front Perimeter Most homes have the shutoff valve located on the exterior wall near the front of the house. Look for a pipe coming out of the ground near your outdoor faucet or hose bib. In many local neighborhoods it is usually tucked behind a bush or near the garage.

2. Look Near the Street (The Water Meter) If it is not on the side of your house go to the sidewalk. Look for a heavy concrete or plastic lid at ground level. Under that lid is your water meter. There is usually a valve there that requires a special wrench or a pair of pliers to turn.

3. Inside the Garage In some newer builds the main shutoff is located inside the garage near the water heater or where the main line enters the house. It will usually be a bright red or blue handle.

The Two Types Of Valves You Will Find

• The Gate Valve: This looks like a round wheel (like a garden hose handle). To shut the water off turn it clockwise until it stops. If it is old do not force it too hard or it might snap.
• The Ball Valve: This is a straight lever handle. If the handle is parallel to the pipe the water is ON. To turn it OFF move the handle so it is perpendicular (making a T shape) to the pipe.

Pro Tip: Once the water is off go to the lowest sink in your house or a garden hose and turn it on. This drains the pressure out of the system so the leaking pipe stops dripping faster.