Short answer
Find the main shut-off valve where the water line enters the house. Look on the wall facing the street: basement, garage, utility closet or near the water heater. Turn a round wheel clockwise until it stops, or turn a lever a quarter turn so it sits across the pipe. Open a faucet to check. No valve inside? Use the curb stop in the meter box, or call your water utility.
How to find and close the main water valve
1Need the water off? Find the main valve
A leak, a burst pipe or a repair: the main shut-off valve stops the water to the whole house. Learn where it is before you need it.
Read all the steps
- Need the water off? Find the main valve. A leak, a burst pipe or a repair: the main shut-off valve stops the water to the whole house. Learn where it is before you need it.
- It is where the water line comes in. Look on the wall facing the street: basement, garage, utility closet, crawl space or near the water heater. In warm states it can be outside on a wall.
- Turn it clockwise until it stops. A round wheel turns clockwise several times. A lever turns a quarter turn, across the pipe. Open a faucet: the water should stop after a few seconds.
- No valve inside? The box at the curb. The meter box near the street has a curb stop. It turns with a meter key, a long T-shaped tool. Some utilities ask you to call them instead.
- Turn it back on slowly. Open the valve a little at a time, then all the way. Let a faucet run until the air stops sputtering out.
- Still not fixed? Call a plumber Especially if: the main valve is stuck, leaks when you turn it or does not stop the water.
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If the valve is stuck
- Do not force it with a wrench or a pipe on the handle: old valves can snap and make things worse.
- Try turning it back and forth a little to loosen it.
- If it will not move, close the curb stop or call your water utility, then have a plumber replace the valve.
Do this today, before an emergency
- Find the valve and show everyone at home where it is. Hang a tag on it.
- Close it and open it once a year so it does not seize.
- Keep a meter key in the garage if your utility lets homeowners use the curb stop.
Shut off just one fixture
Toilets, sinks, the washer and the water heater have their own small valves. For a leak at one fixture, close only that valve and the rest of the house keeps its water.
When to call a plumber
- The main valve is stuck, leaks when you turn it or does not stop the water.
- You cannot find a main valve inside the house.
- Water keeps running with the main valve closed (the leak may be before the valve).
- The curb stop or the meter box is damaged or leaking (call the water utility).
Frequently asked questions
Which way do I turn the main water valve to shut it off?
Clockwise, to the right, for a round wheel. For a lever, turn it a quarter turn so it sits across the pipe; in line with the pipe means open.
Where is the main water shut-off valve usually located?
Where the water line enters the house, usually on the wall closest to the street. Check the basement, the garage, a utility closet, a crawl space or near the water heater. In warm climates it is often outside.
Can I turn off the water at the meter myself?
Many utilities allow it with a meter key, but some ask you to call them. Check with your water utility, and never force a curb stop that will not turn.
How long does it take for the water to stop after I close the main?
A few seconds. A faucet may run briefly as the pressure drops, then stop. If it keeps running, the valve is not closing all the way.
Should I turn off the water heater when the main is off?
Not for a few minutes. If the water will be off for hours, set a gas heater to "pilot" or "vacation", or switch off the breaker for an electric one.
Why does the water sputter when I turn it back on?
That is air in the pipes. Open the main slowly, then let each faucet run until the water flows smoothly.