How to Shut Off the Main Water Valve
Why this matters in an emergency
Stopping the water supply limits damage while you wait for help. If you cannot find the valve or it will not turn, call (703) 703-7855 and keep people away from standing water near electricity.
Where the valve often is
- Where the water line enters the house: basement, crawlspace, garage, or utility closet
- Near the water heater or a labeled “main” valve
- In a meter box in the yard (some properties). Use caution lifting lids and never force frozen or rusty valves
Valve style varies (gate, ball). A quarter-turn ball valve is usually closed when the handle is perpendicular to the pipe.
After the water is off
Open a faucet to relieve pressure if it is safe. Then follow the burst pipe steps or the emergency checklist and call.
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