Key facts: Find Your Main Shutoff
- The valve is normally on the street side of the house.
- A lever turns a quarter of the way; a round handle turns clockwise.
- Every adult in the home should know where it is.
Where to look first
Start at the wall that faces the street, since water lines normally come from that side. In a home with a basement, look at knee height on that wall, near the front. On a slab, check the garage, a utility closet, or near the water heater. In warm states, the valve may be outside on an exterior wall. Apartment dwellers may only control shutoffs under each fixture, so ask the manager where the unit valve sits.
If you can't find it, your home inspection report may show the location. Your water utility can tell you where the meter is, and a plumber can mark the valve during any visit.
Find Your Main Shutoff at a glance
How to shut it off
- 1
Identify the valve
A lever handle is a ball valve. A round wheel is a gate or globe valve.
- 2
Turn it off
Move a lever a quarter turn so it sits across the pipe. Turn a wheel clockwise until it stops, without forcing it.
- 3
Open a faucet low in the house
This drains pressure from the lines.
- 4
Check the meter
If it still moves, the valve may not be sealing.
If the valve is stuck or fails
Old wheel valves can seize or leak after years without use. Don't use a wrench to force one, as the stem can snap. If water is flowing and the valve won't close, call your water utility, which can shut off service at the street. Once things are calm, ask a plumber about replacing it with a ball valve.
Make it easy in an emergency
- Tag the valve with a bright label
- Keep the area clear of boxes
- Show everyone in the home, including older children
- Test it once a year
- Save your utility's emergency number in your phone
FAQ
Main shutoff questions
Can I turn off the water at the meter?
Often the meter valve belongs to the utility and needs a special key, so call them first.
Does shutting off the main stop the water heater?
It stops new water, but the tank still holds hot water. Ask a plumber about gas or power settings if you're away for long.