How to Locate a Water Main Coming Into the House

If you are having difficulty with water pressure, you may want to locate the water main coming into your house to see if there is a break in the line. Many homeowners also try to shut off the water main when replacing plumbing in the home. If you need to shut off your home's water supply, there are valves on your property that you should turn off instead of attempting to turn the water main valve. Your locality maintains the water main. Although you can check the area around the main for leakage, you should not tamper with the water main.

Instructions

1. Locate the water meter for your home. The water meter is the box that measures the amount of water your home uses. If you live in colder climates, the water meter is most often inside the home, in the basement or other warm area. If you live in a milder area, your water meter will be on the side of your home or in an underground box with a lid.

2. Look for a water main shutoff valve either before or after the water meter. You may have a valve on each side. These are the valves that shut off the water to the home.

3. Follow the straightest path from the water meter to the street. You will find the water main in this vicinity. If there is a leak, you will see large amounts of water or hear water rushing. Call the water department to have them fix the water main.

References

• Family Handyman: Locating Water Main Shut Off