Emergencies
How to Shut Off the Water to Your House
Updated · By the Keystream Plumbing editorial team
Where the main shutoff usually is
Every home has a main valve where the water service enters. Its location depends on the house and the climate.
- Basements: on the front wall facing the street, near the meter
- Slab homes: in the garage, a utility closet, near the water heater, or outside by the foundation
- Crawl-space homes: just inside the crawl space access or at an outside hose bib area
- At the street: in a meter box, usually under a metal or plastic lid near the curb
How to turn it off
Round wheel handles (gate valves) turn clockwise, often several full turns. Lever handles (ball valves) turn a quarter turn; the valve is closed when the handle is perpendicular to the pipe.
Then open a faucet on the lowest floor to drain pressure from the lines. If the water heater is electric and the house will be without water for a while, turn off its breaker.
If the valve won't turn
Old gate valves seize. Don't force them with a long wrench, because the stem can snap. Use the meter valve at the street instead: many require a meter key, available at hardware stores, and some utilities prefer you call them.
After the emergency, have a plumber replace a stuck valve with a quarter-turn ball valve.
Individual fixture shutoffs
Toilets, sinks, dishwashers, ice makers and washing machines usually have their own small valves. For a single-fixture leak, closing that valve lets the rest of the house keep water.
When to call a plumber
Call when water is still leaking after the main is closed, when the valve itself leaks, or when you can't find a shutoff at all. A plumber can also label the valves so everyone in the house knows where they are.
Frequently asked questions
Which way do I turn the water valve to shut it off?
Clockwise for round handles. For lever handles, turn a quarter turn so the lever is across the pipe.
Can I shut off the water at the meter?
Usually yes, with a meter key, though some utilities ask homeowners to call them. It's a good backup if the house valve fails.
Should I turn off my water heater when the water is off?
For a short shutoff it's fine to leave it. For longer outages, turn off power to electric heaters or set gas heaters to pilot, so an empty or low tank isn't heated.
Editorial note: This guide is general information for homeowners, not a substitute for an on-site assessment. Local codes and conditions vary; a licensed pro can confirm what applies to your home.
