Where Can I Find My Water Shutoff Valve?

How To Find Your Water Shutoff Valve

Whether you’re facing a plumbing emergency, planning a renovation, or simply want to be prepared, finding your main water shutoff valve is one of the most important things you can do as a homeowner. Keep reading to learn exactly where to find your shutoff valve and how to use it when it matters most.

Types of Water Shutoff Valves

Before you start your search, it helps to understand that there are two types of shutoff valves in your home. 

• Main Water Shutoff Valve: The main water shutoff valve controls water flow to your entire house, meaning that turning this valve off stops water from flowing to every faucet, toilet, shower, and appliance in your home. This is the valve you’ll need to find for emergencies like burst pipes or major leaks.
• Fixture Shutoff Valves: The second type consists of fixture shutoff valves, which are small individual valves that control water to specific fixtures like your toilet, bathroom sink, or washing machine. While these are useful for localized repairs like replacing a faucet or fixing a toilet, they won’t help you in a whole-house emergency.

Where To Find Your Main Water Shutoff Valve

Your main water shutoff valve is typically located where the water supply enters your home. However, the exact location varies depending on your home’s age, climate, and construction. 

Inside Your Home

1. Basement or Crawl Space

If you have a basement or crawl space, start your search here. The valve is typically located on the wall facing the street, usually at about eye level or lower. Look for:

• A pipe coming through the foundation wall
• The valve attached to this pipe, often within a few feet of where it enters
• It’s frequently near your water heater or utility area

2. Utility Room or Garage

In homes without basements, check your utility room, laundry room, or garage. The shutoff valve is often installed:

• On an interior wall nearest to the street
• Near the water heater
• Close to other utility equipment

3. Under the Kitchen Sink

In some older homes or apartments, the main shutoff valve may be located in the cabinet under the kitchen sink. This is more common in smaller dwellings or units without basements.

4. Near the Water Heater

Follow the cold water line leading into your water heater—the main shutoff valve is sometimes located along this route or nearby.

5. In a Ground-Level Closet

Some homes have the main shutoff in a first-floor closet, particularly if the home is built on a slab foundation.

Outside Your Home

1. Near the Foundation

Walk around the perimeter of your home and look for:

• A pipe coming out of the ground near your foundation
• Often on the side facing the street
• May be protected by a small box or cover

2. In a Meter Box

In warmer climates, your water meter and shutoff valve are often located in an underground box in your front yard, typically:

• Between your home and the street
• Covered by a metal or plastic lid, often labeled “water” or “water meter”
• Usually within 3-5 feet of the property line

3. Near the Curb or Property Line

In some areas, there’s a curb stop valve located near the street, typically in a concrete box with a metal cover. Note that this valve is usually considered the water company’s responsibility, but it’s good to know where it is.

Identifying Which Type You Have

Once you’ve located what you think might be your main water shutoff valve, you’ll want to confirm that it’s the right valve.

• Gate Valve: A gate valve features a round wheel-shaped handle that you turn clockwise multiple times to close. These valves are common in older homes but are gradually being phased out because they’re prone to sticking and can develop leaks over time. 
• Ball Valve: A ball valve has a lever handle that requires only a quarter-turn (90 degrees) to shut off completely. When the lever is parallel to the pipe, water is flowing normally. When you turn the lever perpendicular to the pipe (at a right angle), the water is completely shut off. 
• Stop-and-Waste Valve: If you live in an area with freezing temperatures, you might have a stop-and-waste valve, which combines a shutoff valve with a drain feature. These valves have a small drain port that automatically opens when the valve is closed.

How to Turn Off Your Shutoff Valve

Once you’ve located your valve, here’s how to shut it off:

For a Gate Valve (round handle):

1. Turn the handle clockwise (righty-tighty)
2. Keep turning until it stops—this may take several full rotations
3. Don’t force it if it becomes difficult to turn, as you might damage the valve

For a Ball Valve (lever handle):

1. Turn the lever clockwise, perpendicular to the pipe
2. It should only require a quarter-turn (90 degrees)
3. When the lever is at a right angle to the pipe, water is off

Other Important Tips:

• Turn the valve slowly and steadily, don’t jerk or force it.
• If the valve is stuck, try gently tapping it with a rubber mallet or applying some penetrating oil
• Never use excessive force, as this can break the valve

What to Do If You Can’t Find Your Water Shutoff Valve

If you’ve searched everywhere and still can’t locate your main water shutoff valve:

1. Check your home inspection report: If you recently purchased the home, the inspection report often notes the valve’s location.
2. Contact your water company: They can tell you where the water line enters your property and may have records of the valve location.
3. Ask your neighbors: If you live in a development where homes have similar layouts, neighbors might be able to point you in the right direction.
4. Hire a plumber: A professional plumbing company can locate your valve quickly and mark it for you.

Can’t locate your shutoff valve? Found it but can’t get it to budge? That’s what Maplewood Plumbing is here for. We’ll get you sorted out in no time. Call (314) 645-6350 to schedule service.