Stop the water until we can fix the leak!
A burst pipe, overflowing toilet, or leaking water heater can cause serious water damage in minutes. Knowing how to quickly shut off water to different areas of your home can save you from costly repairs. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to locate and turn off water shutoff valves in case of an emergency.
1. How to Shut Off Water to the Whole House
If you have a major plumbing emergency—like a burst pipe or severe leak—you’ll need to shut off the main water supply to your home.
Where to Find the Main Water Shutoff Valve:
- Inside Your Home: Often found in the basement, crawl space, garage, utility room, or near the water heater.
- Outside Your Home: May be located near an exterior wall, in a water meter box, or near your property line.
How to Turn It Off:
- For a Gate Valve (Wheel Handle): Turn the handle clockwise (right) until it stops.
- For a Ball Valve (Lever Handle): Turn the handle 90 degrees so it’s perpendicular to the pipe.
✅ Pro Tip: Test your main shutoff valve annually to ensure it’s working properly.
2. How to Shut Off Water to Individual Fixtures
For smaller leaks or localized issues, you can shut off water to specific fixtures instead of turning off your entire home’s supply.
Sinks (Kitchen & Bathroom)
- Location: Look under the sink for two shutoff valves (one for hot water, one for cold).
- How to Turn It Off: Turn the valve clockwise (right) to shut off water flow.
Toilets
- Location: The shutoff valve is usually located behind or beside the toilet.
- How to Turn It Off: Turn the valve clockwise to stop water from filling the tank.
Washing Machines
- Location: Look for two shutoff valves behind the washer (one for hot water, one for cold).
- How to Turn It Off: Turn both valves clockwise to stop water flow.
Dishwashers
- Location: Usually located under the kitchen sink, connected to the hot water supply.
- How to Turn It Off: Turn the shutoff valve clockwise.
Refrigerators with Water Dispensers/Ice Makers
- Location: The shutoff valve is usually behind the fridge or under the kitchen sink.
- How to Turn It Off: Turn the valve clockwise to shut off water.
Water Heaters
- Location: Look for a shutoff valve on the cold-water supply pipe leading into the heater.
- How to Turn It Off: Turn the valve clockwise to stop water flow.
✅ Pro Tip: If your water heater is leaking, also turn off the power or gas supply to prevent further damage.
3. How to Shut Off Water at the Meter (If Needed)
If your home’s main shutoff valve is stuck or inaccessible, you may need to shut off the water at the meter.
Where to Find It:
- Typically located in a meter box near the street or sidewalk, often covered by a metal or plastic lid.
How to Turn It Off:
- Open the meter box (you may need a wrench or screwdriver).
- Find the shutoff valve (looks like a handle or round knob).
- Use a water meter key or an adjustable wrench to turn the valve clockwise 90 degrees to shut off the water.
⚠️ Warning: Some municipalities prohibit homeowners from turning off water at the meter—check your local regulations.
4. When to Call a Plumber
If you can’t locate or turn off a shutoff valve, or if your home has persistent leaks, low water pressure, or signs of pipe damage, call a professional plumber immediately.
At My Georgia Plumber, we’re here to help with emergency plumbing repairs, leak detection, and shutoff valve replacements.
📞 Need urgent plumbing help? Contact us today!
Final Thoughts
Knowing how to shut off your water in an emergency can prevent major damage to your home. Whether it’s a minor leak or a plumbing disaster, learning where your shutoff valves are and how to use them is crucial for every homeowner.
🔧 Pro Tip: Test your water shutoff valves every six months to ensure they work when you need them!
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