How to Locate a House's Water Shutoff Valve

Know where the main water shutoff valve is located.

In an emergency, every homeowner should know where the water shutoff valve for his home is located. You don't want to wait until the house is flooding to look for it. Plus, if you ever need to do any major plumbing repair on the house that involves more than just one appliance or an unidentified leak, cutting off the water at the shutoff valve will prevent you from having to deal with any major water spills.

Instructions

1. Locate your house's water meter. In warmer climates it is usually found in a box under a metal plate near the street. If you live in a colder climate, it may be located inside the house so that it is protected from freezing. If you have any trouble locating your water meter, contact your local water company for assistance.

2. Examine the water meter for the shutoff valve. Look for two valves that have either round handles or lever handles.

3. Determine which valve is on the house side of the water meter. One valve will be on the house side of the meter and one valve will be on the street side. The house-side valve is the water shutoff valve.

Tips & Warnings

• To turn off the water, turn the round valve clockwise until tight. If your house has a lever valve, turn the lever clockwise until it is at a right angle to the pipe. Reverse the direction when you are ready to turn the water back on.

References

• The Family Handyman: How to Locate Your Gas Shutoff Valve and Water Shutoff Valve