Summary:
- Finding the Main Water Valve: The main water shut-off valve can be inside the house (often in basements, crawlspaces, or near the water heater) or outside (buried near the street under a metal cover labeled "water meter").
- Turning Off the Main Water Line: To turn off the inside valve, simply twist it clockwise by hand. Outside valves may require special tools like a pentagon socket wrench or meter key.
- Shutting Off Local Water Valves: For issues with specific appliances, turn off the local water valve behind the washing machine, toilet, or under the sink by rotating it clockwise.
- When to Replace a Water Valve: Signs that a valve needs replacing include being broken, rusted, stuck, missing, or having a broken handle.
- Professional Assistance: If you can't locate or replace your main water valve, contact Mr. Rooter Plumbing® for expert help with valve repair, replacement, or location services.
Many types of plumbing emergencies call for turning off the main water supply. Do you know the location of your home’s main water shut-off valve? Equally important are the home water valves behind individual fixtures and appliances. Below, you can learn how to find and turn off your home’s water supply to limit damage from broken or leaky pipes.
How to Find the Main Water Valve
Finding your residential water shut off valve doesn’t have to be complicated. It can just require you to look in the right place! There are at least two common places it can be:
Inside Your House
Are you asking yourself, ‘Where is the main water shut-off valve in my house?’ It may be easier to find than you think! If your home has a basement or crawlspace, it’s likely installed on a wall near the front of your house. Check in the garage or near the water heater if your home is built on a slab.
Outside Your House
It’s not uncommon to find a residential main water shut off valve outside a house. If it’s outside, it will be buried underground near the street. Look for a round or rectangular metal cover flush with the grass or sidewalk. It might be labeled “water meter” to help you identify it. Under this cover is the water shut off valve.
Watch this video to learn more about locating the main water valve on your property:
How Do I Shut Off the Main Water Supply to My House? | Tips from Mr. Rooter Plumbing
Call Mr. Rooter Plumbing®
You would call a plumber when you’re considering replacing a main water shut off valve, but you can also call one to help locate one you can’t find! Contact your locally owned and operated Mr. Rooter Plumbing® for all your home water shut off valve needs. We can provide a comprehensive repair, replacement, and location service!
How to Turn Off the Main Water Line
If your water cut off valve is located inside, turn it clockwise to shut off the water supply to your home. You shouldn’t require any tools – simply turn the valve by hand. However, an outside water shut off valve can require a different approach.
You may need special tools to open the water meter cover if the valve is outside. In most cases, you need a pentagon socket wrench to remove the security bolt holding the cover in place. If the bolt isn’t recessed, you may be able to turn it with a simple pair of pliers. Some covers feature a ‘keyhole’ that you can only open with a meter key. Then, other covers lift off with no tools needed – just twist the lid.
With the cover removed, look inside and locate the water valve shut off (the one positioned closest to your house). Turning off the valve requires special tools. Most likely, you’ll need a meter key. You can probably twist the valve with an adjustable wrench if there’s room. Your underground water turn off valve may look as though it could be turned by hand, but if it hasn’t moved in years, don’t count on it. Whatever tools you use, turn the valve clockwise all the way to bring the water flow to a standstill.
How to Shut Off Other Water Valves
When minor plumbing problems strike, you don’t always need to access the residential main water shut off valve outside and cut off water to the whole house! You can turn the valve behind the appliance or fixture that’s giving you trouble. The valves you should know about are located:
Behind the Washing Machine
If the washer hose starts leaking or the appliance overflows, limit water damage by pulling the unit away from the wall and turning the shut-off valve behind it. If you’re unsure which way to turn the water valve off, most washing machine valves are clockwise.
By the Toilet
Whether your toilet is overflowing or you need to replace a leaky flapper, stop the waterflow by turning the toilet water shut off valve clockwise. It should be located on the wall behind the toilet.
Under the Sink
Before you repair or replace a faucet, turn off the water supply. You’ve got the hang of it now – twist the valve under the sink clockwise.
How to Know When to Replace a Water Valve
Now might be the right time to contact a trusted plumbing professional at Mr. Rooter Plumbing® when you can relate to the following signs:
- Your water valve is broken and totally inoperable
- Rust and damage has caused the valve to be stuck in place
- The handle has broken off the valve
- The valve is missing
Contact Mr. Rooter Plumbing for Help With Your Home Water Shut Off Valve
You now know how to find water shut off valves for your whole house and individual appliances and fixtures. This skill could be helpful the next time you have a plumbing emergency!
For more valuable tips and assistance repairing or replacing main water shut off valves on your property, contact your locally owned and operated Mr. Rooter Plumbing®. Our friendly and experienced plumbers can assist when you have questions like ‘Where is the water shut off valve?’ and ‘How do I know when to replace my water valve?’
