Every homeowner needs to know how to shut off their water before a plumbing emergency happens — not during one. In a burst pipe situation, every minute the water runs means hundreds of gallons flooding your home and thousands of dollars in potential damage. This step-by-step guide will walk you through every type of water shut-off so you’re prepared before disaster strikes.
Type 1: Main House Shut-Off Valve (Inside)
Your main interior shut-off valve controls all water entering your home. In cold climates, it’s usually located in the basement near the front wall of the house, or in a utility closet. In warm climates, it may be in a crawl space, garage, or on an exterior wall under the water meter. The valve will be either a gate valve (round wheel handle) or a ball valve (lever handle). Turn a gate valve clockwise until it stops. Turn a ball valve 90 degrees so it’s perpendicular to the pipe.
Type 2: Street/Meter Shut-Off (Outside)
Your water meter box is usually located near the street, under a metal or plastic cover in the ground. Inside the box is a shut-off valve for your entire property’s water supply. Turning this valve requires a special water meter key (curb key) available at hardware stores for about $15. Have one. This valve is what you use if you can’t find or turn off your interior valve.
Type 3: Individual Fixture Shut-Off Valves
Under every sink, behind every toilet, and behind your washing machine are individual supply line shut-off valves. These let you shut off water to a single fixture without affecting the rest of the house. Turn them clockwise to close. Note that these valves sometimes seize up if they haven’t been turned in years — which is why you should test them annually.
Emergency Shut-Off Checklist (Do This Right Now)
- Find your main interior shut-off valve today and label it
- Confirm you can turn it (if it’s stuck, call a plumber to service it)
- Purchase a water meter key and keep it near your shut-off valve
- Locate all fixture shut-off valves in your home and test them
- Show every household member where the main shut-off is
After Shutting Off the Water: What to Do Next
- Open faucets at the highest point in the house to relieve pressure and drain pipes
- Identify and document the source of the leak or burst
- Call a 24-hour emergency plumber — find one now at PlumbersCorners.com
- Notify your homeowner’s insurance company
- Begin water damage mitigation (towels, wet vac, fans)
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