When a pipe bursts, every minute of running water adds to the repair bill. The fastest way to stop it is the main shut-off valve, and most people have never seen theirs.
Where to look
- Where the water line enters the house, often in the basement or a utility room
- Next to the water heater or under the kitchen sink in homes without a basement
- In a ground box near the street, next to the meter
How to turn it off
Turn a wheel handle clockwise until it stops. For a lever handle, turn it a quarter turn so it sits across the pipe. If it won’t move, don’t force it. Call us and we’ll talk you through it.
Make it easy to find
Tag the valve with a bright label and show everyone in the house where it is. It’s the single most useful thing you can do before an emergency.