Where to Find and Use Your Home's Main Water Shutoff
Knowing how to stop the home's water supply is one of the most useful pieces of plumbing preparation. Locate the valve before you need it.
Common locations
The main shutoff is often near where the water service enters the home, such as a basement, utility room, crawlspace, or mechanical area. Homes on wells may have a shutoff near the pressure tank and entry piping.
Identify the valve
A ball valve uses a lever that is open when it lines up with the pipe. A gate valve uses a round handle and may need several turns. Do not force a valve that is stuck or corroded.
Test it carefully
With a fixture open, close the valve slowly and confirm that the flow stops. If the valve does not work, note that before starting any plumbing project and have it serviced.
Show everyone in the household
Make sure adults know the location and how to reach it. Labeling the valve can save time during future repairs or maintenance.