Residential Water Main Shut-Off Valve

What is a water main shut-off valve?

The water main shut-off valve is the main control point for all your home's water supply. It is either a pipe with a lever or a round knob handle.

It’s important to know where it is and ensure it’s accessible in the event of a major water leak. The quicker you can shut it off, the less water damage will occur. Additionally, it can be smart to shut it off when going on vacation or leaving town for an extended time to prevent damage from frozen or malfunctioning appliances.

Where is it located?

Commonly, your home inspection report will list where it’s located in your home. If the inspection report does not mention the location, you can find it close to where the water line enters your home.

Inside

• basement or crawl space near the foundation wall

• utility closet

• near the water heater

Outside

• near the foundation facing the street

• by the outdoor hose

• beside the water meter

• near the well pump or pressure tank

• in a concrete or metal box near the street or property line

How to it shut off

There are two types of valves for residential properties, gate valves and ball valves.

Gate valve (round wheel handle): turn the valve clockwise multiple times until it stops 

Ball valve (lever-style ball): turn 90 degrees, quarter turn, until it’s perpendicular to the pipe

If you need any assistance with finding your water main shut-off valve or turning it off, please call us at (508) 543 6400.