Find your main water shutoff before you need it

When a supply line fails or a leak becomes active, the most useful first step is often knowing how to stop the water. Find the main shutoff before an emergency, and make sure the people in your household know where it is.

Start at the water meter or service entry

In many homes, the main shutoff is near the water meter, where the supply line enters the building, or in a utility area. In some locations there is also a curb-side or exterior shutoff controlled by the utility. Do not tamper with a utility-owned valve.

Identify, label, and photograph it

Once you find the interior valve, label it and take a clear photo. Note whether it is a round wheel valve or a lever-style ball valve. Do not force a corroded, leaking, or stuck valve. A valve that does not move smoothly is a plumbing-service item, not a test of strength.

Make a simple plan

Keep the path to the valve clear. Know which nearby valves isolate fixtures such as toilets or washing machines, too. If water is actively leaking near electrical equipment, leave the area and seek appropriate emergency help rather than reaching through water.

For common leak signs and what to document, read What to do when you find a plumbing leak.

Sources

• American Red Cross: Home emergency preparedness

Be ready for the conversation

3 questions to ask your qualified professional

1. 1What condition did you observe, and what evidence supports that conclusion?
2. 2What options fit this home, and what tradeoffs should I understand?
3. 3What exactly is included and excluded from the written scope?