A leak can spread fast. Shutting off the water quickly protects floors, walls, and furniture. The goal is simple: find the right shutoff and stop the flow.
Fast steps you can follow right now
- Find the main water shutoff valve inside the house.
- Turn it clockwise until it stops, or turn the lever a quarter turn.
- Open one cold faucet to release pressure and confirm flow stops.
- If you cannot find the main valve, shut off water at the water meter outside.
Where the main water shutoff is usually located
Most homes have an indoor shutoff. Many also have a shutoff at the water meter. Check these spots first: near where the main water line enters the home, along a front wall in the basement, near the access opening in a crawl space, in a garage or utility area near the water heater, or outside near the curb in a meter box by the property line. If you live in a condo, ask the building office since some shutoffs control more than one unit.
Know what valve you are looking at
Ball valve
A ball valve has a lever handle. It closes with a quarter turn. When the handle sits across the pipe, the water is off.
Gate valve
A gate valve has a round wheel handle. It takes several turns to close. Older ones often stick. If it fights you, stop. Forcing it can break it.
How to shut off water at the main valve inside
Start here if you can reach it. Turn on one cold faucet at a sink. Then turn the main valve to the off position. Wait a few seconds. Check the faucet. Flow should slow, then stop. You may still see drips for a short time. That is water draining from the pipes. If you need to drain lines faster, open the lowest cold faucet in the home, then open a higher cold faucet so air enters and water drains quicker.
How to shut off water at the water meter
Use the meter shutoff if you cannot find the indoor valve, or if the indoor valve does not fully stop water.
Find the meter box
The water meter is often near the curb or sidewalk under a metal or plastic cover. Some are in a small ground pit. Use gloves and a flashlight if needed.
Use the customer side valve
Many meters have two valves. One is on the house side. One is on the street side. Use the customer side valve when possible. Avoid the street side valve since it is often managed by the utility.
Turn the meter valve off
Some meter valves have a small handle. Others need a curb key or water meter key. Turn slowly until it stops. Do not crank hard at the end.
Confirm water is off
Go inside and open a cold faucet. Flow should stop after a short burst. You can also watch the meter. Many have a small flow indicator. If it stops moving, water is off.
If your home is on a well
Well systems work differently than city water. Turn off the well pump at the breaker to stop pressure from building. If your setup has a valve after the pressure tank, you can close it too. The tank may still push some water for a moment, so open a faucet to release pressure.
How to shut off water to one fixture only
Sometimes you do not need to shut off the whole house.
Under a sink
Look for the angle stop valve on the wall. Turn it clockwise to stop water to that faucet.
Behind a toilet
There is usually a small shutoff near the floor. Turn it clockwise to stop water to the toilet.
Dishwasher or fridge
The shutoff may be under the sink, behind the appliance, or in a nearby cabinet. If a fixture valve is stuck, do not force it. Old valves can snap and leak.
What to do after you shut off the water
If water is near outlets, turn off power to that area. Mop standing water and move rugs and valuables. Put a bucket under any steady drip. Take photos if you may file an insurance claim. Open one cold faucet for a minute to release pressure and reduce spraying if you open a pipe.
How to turn the water back on
Go slow to avoid air bursts, banging, or leaks at weak joints. Make sure the repair is complete. Close faucets you used to drain the lines. Turn the main valve on slowly. Open one cold faucet halfway and let air hiss out. Run water until it flows smoothly, then close it. Check under sinks and around toilets, then check again after ten minutes. If you used the meter shutoff, reopen it slowly too.
If you cannot find the main shutoff
Start outside at the water meter and note which side of the house the service line heads toward. The indoor valve is often on that same side. Check the garage and utility room next, near the water heater and where pipes pass through the wall. If you still cannot find it, call a licensed plumber and ask them to label it.
If the valve will not turn
Do not force it. A stuck valve can crack and start leaking. Try gentle back and forth movement. Stop if you hear squealing, see dripping, or feel grinding. Shut off at the meter instead, then call a plumber to replace the valve.
If water still runs after shutoff
A little flow can happen while pipes drain, but strong flow should stop. Make sure you turned the correct valve and recheck handle position. If flow continues, the valve may have failed. Shut off at the meter and call a plumber.
If the valve drips after you touch it
Old valves sometimes seep at the stem. If you see leaking, shut off at the meter and get help. A main shutoff is not a place to guess.
Simple preparation that helps later
Find the indoor main shutoff and the meter shutoff and label them. Keep a curb key where you can grab it fast if your meter needs one. Test the main valve once a year. Replace an old gate valve with a quarter turn ball valve when you can.
FAQs
Where is the main water shutoff valve?
It is often where the main line enters the home. Check the basement, crawl space, garage, or utility area. If you cannot find it, check the meter box outside.
How do I shut off water to my house in an emergency?
Turn off the indoor main valve first. If you cannot reach it, shut off at the water meter on the customer side. Open one cold faucet to release pressure.
Do I need a curb key to shut off water?
Some meter valves have handles. Others sit below grade and need a curb key. If your meter is in a deep box, you may need one.
What is the difference between a ball valve and a gate valve?
A ball valve uses a lever and shuts off with a quarter turn. A gate valve uses a wheel and needs several turns. Gate valves stick more often in older homes.
What should I do if the shutoff valve is stuck?
Stop and do not force it. Shut off water at the meter instead. Call a licensed plumber to repair or replace the valve.
How do I know the water is fully off?
Open a cold faucet and confirm the flow stops. You can also watch the meter flow indicator. If it stops moving, water is off.
Can I shut off water if I have a well?
Yes. Turn off the well pump breaker to stop the pump. You can also close the valve after the pressure tank, if your system has one.
Conclusion
Know your main shutoff location before a leak happens. Turn off the indoor valve first, then use the meter if needed. Confirm shutoff with a faucet test or meter indicator. Turn the water back on slowly to prevent noise and pressure issues. If a valve is stuck or leaking, shut off at the meter and call a plumber.
