Tips for Finding and Using Your Water Valve Shut-Off

Knowing how to find and use your water valve shut-off is necessary for homeowners, just like finding a flipping a breaker switch. Almost every home will have a shut-off valve inside. However, there are also shut-off valves outside of your home that must be turned off by a professional. Fortunately, you can turn off the one inside your home easily. 

Where To Look for Your Shut-Off

The first place you should look is along the front foundation of your basement. It could be coming in from the floor or the wall. It will typically be a few feet inside of your building. You may find the main shut off valve in a different part of your basement, like by your water heater. 

In older homes, you may find your shut-off valve inside of your crawl space. If a basement was added to your older home, there might be a secondary valve in the basement. If you do not have a basement, the main shut-off will likely be close to your water heater or a sink. For better access, you can add a secondary valve inside your home. If you don’t have a basement or crawl space, you can find your shut-off inside your home. 

How To Turn It Off

The best thing about the shut-off valves is that they are easy to operate, unlike those along the road requiring a valve turner. You may have seen these being used by crews ensuring the safety of the water line to fire hydrants. 

To turn off a wheel style shut-off valve, turn it clockwise. This may take a couple of turns. If you have a level style valve, turn it a quarter of a turn until it is not parallel with the pipe. 

Turning off your shut-off valve is a necessary skill. Fortunately, it is as easy as turning a wheel or a lever once you have located the correct valve.