⚠ Danger first: gas smell, sparking, or water near outlets? Get out and call 911.

How to Find and Shut Your Main Water Valve

Knowing where your main shutoff is can save thousands in damage. Find it before you need it.

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Where to look

1. Basement or crawl space, on the wall facing the street.
2. Near the water heater or laundry area.
3. Garage, utility closet, or under the kitchen sink in slab homes.
4. Outside: a buried box near the street or sidewalk (curb stop or meter box). This one may need a meter key and may belong to the water utility.

How to shut it

1. Gate valve (round wheel): turn clockwise until snug. Don't force it.
2. Ball valve (lever handle): turn the lever a quarter turn so it sits across the pipe.
3. If it's stuck, don't use extreme force. An old valve can break. Call a plumber or your water utility.

After it's off

1. Open a low faucet to drain lines.
2. Turn off the water heater (gas: set to pilot/vacation; electric: switch off its breaker if safe) so it doesn't heat empty.
3. Tag the valve so everyone at home can find it.

Do it now, before an emergency

Find the valve today, test that it turns, and show everyone in the house. Takes five minutes.

General guidance only, not professional advice. Your home may differ. When in doubt, stop and call a licensed plumber or electrician.