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Emergency Tips | 4 min read

How to Shut Off Your Water Main in an Emergency

Turn the main shut-off valve until it stops. A round handle turns clockwise. A lever turns a quarter turn. Find it before you need it.

By The Plumbing Co Team | Updated November 1, 2026
How to Shut Off Your Water Main in an Emergency
Quick answer: Turn the main shut-off valve until it stops. A round handle turns clockwise. A lever turns a quarter turn. Find it before you need it.

When a pipe bursts, water can flood a room in minutes. Closing the main water valve stops the flow and limits damage to floors, walls and drywall. Every homeowner should know where it is.

Where to look - Near the water meter, close to the street - On an outside wall where the main line enters your home - In the garage, a utility room or near the water heater

How to turn it off A round gate valve turns clockwise until it stops. A lever ball valve turns a quarter turn, so the lever sits across the pipe. Do not force a stuck valve. If it will not move, call us right away for emergency plumbing.

What to do next - Open a low faucet to drain the lines - Move rugs and items away from the water - Take photos for your insurance - Call a plumber

Test it once a year Turn the valve off and on one time each year so it does not seize. If it leaks or sticks, it needs to be replaced. We can swap it and install a new Watts shut-off valve. A worn valve is a common reason a small leak turns into a flood, so a quick check now can save you a lot of stress later.

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Common Questions: How to Shut Off Your Water Main in an Emergency

Where is my main water valve?

Look near the water meter, on an outside wall or in the garage. Ask us if you cannot find it.

Which way do I turn the valve?

A round handle turns clockwise to close. A lever turns a quarter turn.

What if the valve is stuck?

Do not force it. Call a plumber so the pipe does not break.

Should I turn off the water heater too?

If the tank may drain, turn off the power or gas first. Do not run it without water.

How often should I test the valve?

Once a year is enough to keep it from seizing.

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