Summary:
- Location of the Main Water Shut-Off Valve: The valve is typically located outside near the curb, sidewalk, or in an alley if your water comes from the city. For well water, it is near the pressure tank or utility area of your home.
- How to Turn Off the Water Valve: Tools like a socket wrench, screwdriver, or water meter key may be needed to access and turn off the valve. Twist the valve clockwise until it stops to stop the water flow.
- Indoor and Outdoor Valve Locations: In colder climates, water shut-off valves may be located indoors to prevent freezing, often in basements or utility rooms, while in warmer areas, they are typically outside.
- When to Replace the Valve: Signs for valve replacement include visible leaks, corrosion, difficulty turning the valve, reduced water flow, or continuous dripping even when closed.
When a pipe bursts, you need to stop the flow of water as quickly as possible. That’s why you need to know where your outside water shut off valve is located. Knowing where it is may just help minimize property damage in a plumbing emergency!
We’ll show you how to find a residential or commercial main water shut off valve outside, tell you how to turn off your water supply, and answer important frequently asked questions about these valves:
- Finding the Water Shut-off Valve Outside
- How to Use the Water Shut-Off Valve
- Outdoor Water Shut-off Valve FAQs
Finding the Main Water Shut Off Valve Outside
In the typical home, there are many water shut off valves. They are usually near appliances, faucets, and toilets. These valves are great for cutting water flow to a specific place, a necessity for basic plumbing work. You may have used these valves a few times, but you probably haven’t used your main water shut-off valve often.
The location of your main water valve varies depending on where you get your water - a private well or your city’s public water supply.
If I Get My Water From the City, Where Is the Main Water Shut-Off Valve?
When your water comes from the city, your home water valve will most likely be located outside. Search for a rectangular or round cover near the edge of your property. Usually, this is near the curb and the sidewalk, though it could be in an alley. The cover is either metal or plastic and usually says “water meter” on it. Open the cover to locate the main water cut off valve.
I Get My Water From a Well, Where Is the Water Shut Off Valve?
If you get water from a well, the shut-off valve will be near your pressure tank. In both cases, there is usually a secondary valve in the utility area of your home, near where the water line enters your house. Homes with city-provided water sometimes have a secondary shut-off point on the exterior wall near the water meter.
Check Your Home Inspection Report
If you still can’t find your valve, check the plumbing section of the home inspection report you received when you moved in. You should find written details and a photo of its location.
Contact Mr. Rooter Plumbing® to Learn How to Find a Water Shut Off Valve
Some property owners search high and low and still can’t find their water turn off valves. This can be problematic if you need to perform repairs. Don’t be afraid to contact your locally owned and operated Mr. Rooter Plumbing® for help to find yours. Not only can they help locate it, but they can also show you how to shut off the main water valve so you can perform this task in a hurry if needed.
How to Shut Off the Main Water Valve
You may know where to find your residential main water shut off valve outside, but do you know how to turn it off? Let us enlighten you! This task can require a few tools, most of which should already be in the average toolbox.
- A socket wrench: Certain valves have covers held on by a security bolt. A socket wrench can remove this bolt. You can also call the municipal water supplier to unlock the cover.
- A screwdriver: Screwdrivers can be used to pry off some covers.
- Water meter key/channel locks: Some valves may require a water meter key. Channel locks can be used instead of a key if necessary.
Once you have removed the cover, look inside to find the home water valve. It’s usually the valve located closest to your home. To turn it off, twist it clockwise with the water meter key or another tool until it stops moving. Do not force the valve after it stops turning.
Outdoor Water Shut-off Valve FAQs
Do you have more questions about your commercial or residential water shut off valve? We’re here to answer them. Contact your locally owned and operated Mr. Rooter Plumbing® or read some of our commonly asked questions below.
Why do you need a main water shut-off valve?
If a pipe in your home breaks, the water doesn’t automatically stop flowing. It will continue to deliver 10 to 15 gallons per minute directly onto your carpet or drywall. This can lead to massive water damage in a matter of minutes.
A water shut-off valve can prevent this damage. While it won’t stop pipe bursts, activating it will stop water from flowing out of the broken pipe. And because it cuts the water flow to the whole home, it is helpful no matter where the leak is.
You should locate your business or home water shut off valve now and carefully note its location. When a broken pipe is stressing you out, trying to find the valve will only stress you out more. Familiarizing yourself with its location beforehand prevents damage and unnecessary stress!
Is a Water Valve Always Outside?
While you might be looking for your residential main water shut off valve outside, that doesn’t mean it’s always there. In colder climates, it’s often inside a structure to stop freezing-related problems. The location of your water valve is typically climate-dependent.
If you’re looking inside, you may find it in a basement, utility room, or near a water heater. If you’re looking outside, you may find it near the front of the property, covered by an access plate.
When Should You Replace Your Water Valve?
You may like to discuss water valve replacement with Mr. Rooter Plumbing® if you can relate to any of these signs:
- Visible leaks around connection points or the valve itself
- Visible signs of corrosion or rust on the body of the valve
- Excessive force is needed to turn the valve
- Noticeably reduced water flow
- Inconsistent water temperatures
- Noisy valve
- Continuous dripping, even when the water valve shut off is closed
Call Mr. Rooter Plumbing for Help with Any Plumbing Emergency
Shutting off the water to your home is only the first step in resolving your plumbing issue. Before you turn the water back on, you need to address the source of the leak.
If you need help repairing a broken pipe or loose connection, call the experts at Mr. Rooter Plumbing. Our experienced team members offer 24/7 emergency plumbing services to solve your problems quickly. Call now to schedule an estimate or service.
