How to Turn Off Main Water Service

Tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, and plumbing emergencies are all times you'll want to turn off the water to your home. Know ahead of time where your shutoff valve is - just in case!

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Pipe Wrenches

1. Look for the shutoff valve outside if you live in a warm climate. It will typically be located where the water pipe enters the house and is usually at the most inaccessible spot behind stickery bushes. Find the water meter and you'll locate the main shutoff nearby.

2. Find your shutoff valve in the basement in cold climates - it may be set into a wall or on the water pipe leading to the water heater.

3. Locate the shutoff valves on either side of the pressure tank if your water comes from a ground well. Turn off both valves.

4. Shut off the water by turning the valve clockwise until it won't turn any more.

Tips & Warnings

• You may want to tag the valve to let others know you have turned it off. These plastic tags are available at hardware stores.
• Still can't find your main shutoff? Look for a rectangle-shaped access cover somewhere in your yard. Pry the cover up with a screwdriver. (Look inside with a flashlight before you stick your hand down in there - this is a favorite place for spiders to hide.)

[marian1936]

on 10/15/2009 Good idea to learn all this before your emergency. Emergencies tend to diminish the brain's ability to function, and a water emergency could turn out to be a very desperate moment. Buy one of those double-ended tools that both lift the outdoor grate and turn the valve. Also, you might want to consider informing everyone in the family on where this tool is stored and how to use it. The City's water department won't even come and look at a gushing water event if it's the weekend. (My unfortunate experience last Sunday) It happened on an unoccupied property I own, and I now make sure the neighbors have my phone number.

[jenniferr]

on 8/14/2009 My main valve in the basement is stuck, I need to fix a leaking faucet, can and should I lightly tap it with a wrench to loosen up any gritty bits?

[dlo1961]

on 1/9/2008 I have located the water main outside and I have a T-Bar. The valve appears to be stuck. Which way do I turn the valve and if stuck what do I do????????????

on 3/27/2006 Turning the water off and on can release a bit of grit and pipe debris. Remove your screens from all sink faucets.

on 11/22/2005 Open a tap on the top floor of the house as well as the one you are going to work on, to allow all the siphoned water to drain.