How to Shut Off Your Water in a Plumbing Emergency
A burst pipe, overflowing toilet, or leaking water heater can go from annoying to disastrous in minutes. Knowing how to shut off your water—whether to a specific fixture or the whole house—can be the difference between a quick fix and thousands in water damage.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you act fast during a plumbing emergency.
1. Shutting Off Water to the Whole House
When there’s a serious leak, you’ll need to turn off the main water supply to your home.
Where to Find the Main Shutoff Valve
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Inside your home: Check the basement, crawl space, garage, or utility room—often near the water heater.
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Outside your home: Look near an exterior wall, in a ground box by the foundation, or at the property line near your water meter.
How to Turn It Off
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Gate valve (round wheel handle): Turn it clockwise until it stops.
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Ball valve (lever handle): Turn it 90 degrees so the handle is perpendicular to the pipe.
Pro Tip: Don’t wait for a crisis—test your main shutoff valve once a year to make sure it works.
2. Shutting Off Water to Individual Fixtures
If the issue is limited to one appliance or room, it’s faster and easier to shut off water to just that area.
Sinks (Kitchen or Bathroom)
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Location: Under the sink—two valves, one for hot, one for cold.
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How to turn it off: Twist both valves clockwise.
Toilets
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Location: On the wall behind or beside the toilet.
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How to turn it off: Rotate the valve clockwise to stop water from refilling the tank.
Washing Machines
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Location: Behind the unit—two valves for hot and cold.
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How to turn it off: Turn both clockwise to stop water flow.
Dishwashers
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Location: Usually shares a shutoff valve with the kitchen sink’s hot water line.
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How to turn it off: Find the valve under the sink and turn it clockwise.
Refrigerators with Water Dispensers or Ice Makers
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Location: Behind the fridge or under the sink.
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How to turn it off: Turn the valve clockwise to stop water flow.
Water Heaters
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Location: Shutoff valve is on the cold-water pipe leading into the tank.
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How to turn it off: Turn the valve clockwise.
Pro Tip: If the water heater is leaking, also shut off the power (for electric) or gas supply to avoid additional damage or hazards.
3. Shutting Off Water at the Meter
If your main shutoff valve is broken, stuck, or inaccessible, the meter shutoff is your next option.
Where to Find the Meter
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Typically located in a meter box near the street or sidewalk.
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Covered by a metal or plastic lid—you may need a screwdriver or wrench to open it.
How to Turn It Off
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Lift the lid and locate the shutoff valve (usually a knob or handle).
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Use a meter key or adjustable wrench to turn the valve clockwise 90 degrees until it’s perpendicular to the pipe.
Important: Some cities don’t allow homeowners to shut off water at the meter. Check your local guidelines before attempting this.
4. When to Call a Plumber
If:
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You can’t find or turn off a valve
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The leak is behind walls or underground
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You see signs of damage or persistent low pressure
…it’s time to bring in a professional.
At My Georgia Plumber, we handle emergencies fast—whether you need help shutting off your water, finding a hidden leak, or replacing worn-out valves.
Need urgent help? Contact us today.
Final Thoughts
It’s one of the simplest things you can do to protect your home—but many people don’t know how or where to shut off their water. Don’t wait for an emergency to find out.
Take a few minutes to locate your shutoff valves now. Test them every six months. And if something goes wrong, you’ll be ready.
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