How to Shut Off Your Home's Water in an Emergency

When water is gushing from a burst pipe or overflowing fixture, the fastest way to limit the damage is to shut off the water. Knowing how — before it happens — makes all the difference.

Find Your Main Shut-Off Valve

It's usually located:

• Where the main water line enters your home
• Near the water heater or in the basement
• In a crawl space or utility area
• Near the street in an outdoor meter box

How to Turn It Off

• Round handle (gate valve): turn clockwise several times until it stops
• Lever handle (ball valve): turn it a quarter-turn until it's perpendicular to the pipe

Shutting Off a Single Fixture

Toilets, sinks, and water heaters have their own shut-off valves nearby. For a localized leak, turning off that valve lets the rest of your home keep working.

Be Prepared

Locate your main valve today and make sure it turns easily — old valves can seize up. If yours is stuck or you can't find it, a plumber can locate, test, or replace it so you're ready when it counts.