How to Locate Your Main Water Shut-Off Valve
Emergency Plumbing
In a plumbing emergency, the main shut-off valve is your best friend. Yet, a surprising number of homeowners have no idea where it is. Finding it takes five minutes today but could save you $50,000 in damages tomorrow.
Common Locations
The location depends on your climate and the age of your home:
- Basement/Crawl Space: Look for a pipe coming through the foundation wall on the street side of your house.
- Utility Room: Check near your water heater or furnace.
- Garage: Look along the perimeter walls.
- Curbside (Warm Climates): In states like Texas or Florida, the valve is often in a plastic or concrete box buried in the ground near the street.
What It Looks Like
It will usually be a wheel (gate valve) or a straight handle (ball valve).
- Gate Valve: Turn the wheel clockwise until tight.
- Ball Valve: Turn the handle so it is perpendicular (90 degrees) to the pipe.