Finding Your Main Water Shut-Off
Short answer: there's usually a valve in the meter box near the street and often another in the garage, utility room or crawl space. Find yours before you need it.
Request a plumberAt the meter
The box near the curb has a valve.
At the house
Garage, utility room or crawl space.
Close it
Clockwise until it stops.
Test it
Close and reopen yearly.
Fixture valves
Under sinks and toilets.
Water heater
Cold valve on top.
Wells
Well homes shut off at the pressure tank.
Label it
Tag the valve.
Stuck valves
Don't force it.
Teach the family
Show everyone old enough.
New construction
In newer homes the house valve is often in the garage near the water heater or in a utility closet.
Meter keys
A meter key from a hardware store makes the curb valve much easier to turn.
Next
See emergency plumbing.
More plumbing guides
Request a plumber
Leaks, backed-up drains, sewer smells and water heaters that won't heat. Tell us what's happening and we'll pass it to a licensed plumber, who will call you to arrange a visit and a price.
- Leaks, drains and water heaters
- Huntsville, Madison, Harvest, Hazel Green and nearby
- Licensed plumbers, price before work
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