How to Find Your Home’s Main Water Shut-Off Valve

Why This Is Worth Knowing in Advance

During a burst pipe or major leak, shutting off the water supply quickly is one of the most effective things you can do to limit damage. Searching for the valve for the first time during an active emergency wastes valuable time, it is worth locating it now, while there is no pressure.

Common Locations

The main shut-off valve is typically found where the water line enters the house. Depending on your home and climate, that could be:

Near the water meter, often close to the street-facing side of the property
In a basement or utility room, close to where the main line enters
In a crawl space or garage
Inside a small box near an exterior wall, in warmer climates without basements

What It Looks Like

Main shut-off valves are usually either a round wheel-style handle or a lever-style ball valve. A ball valve is closed when the lever sits perpendicular (90 degrees) to the pipe, and open when it runs parallel to it. A wheel valve is closed by turning it clockwise until it stops.

Test It Before You Need It

Once you find it, turn it to confirm it moves freely, valves that sit unused for years can seize up or become difficult to turn. If yours feels stuck or difficult, it is worth having a local provider inspect or replace it now rather than discovering the problem mid-emergency.

What to Do in an Emergency

Shut off the main valve first, then address the immediate area, for example, moving belongings away from water or opening a faucet to relieve remaining pressure in the lines. Once the water is off and the situation is stable, request a connection with a local provider to assess and repair the issue.

Still dealing with this issue? You can request a connection with an independent local plumbing provider — there is no fee to submit a request.

Request a Connection

Frequently asked questions

What if I can't find my shut-off valve?

If you are unable to locate it after checking the common areas above, a local provider can help identify it, and in some cases your water utility can also point you to the street-side shutoff as a backup option.

Should I shut off individual fixtures instead?

Individual shut-off valves under sinks and toilets are useful for isolated fixture repairs, but they will not help during a major leak or burst pipe elsewhere in the system, that is what the main valve is for.

How often should I test the main valve?

Checking it once or twice a year is a reasonable habit, just to confirm it still turns smoothly when you need it to.