How to Find and Shut Off Your Home's Main Water Valve
To shut off your home's main water supply, locate the brass gate or ball valve inside your garage, utility closet, or near the water heater and turn it clockwise (or perpendicular to the pipe). If inaccessible, turn off the curb stop valve at the municipal street meter box.
Where Is the Main Interior Shutoff Valve Located?
In homes built on concrete slabs, the main interior water shutoff valve is typically located in one of three common locations:
1. Inside the garage along the front or side wall where the primary cold supply enters the foundation.
2. In the utility closet directly adjacent to the main water heater tank.
3. In a small plastic access panel set flush into an interior wall near the front foyer.
Ball Valves vs. Gate Valves
Most modern plumbing installations feature a lever-style ball valve. To shut off the water, rotate the lever handle 90 degrees until it sits perpendicular to the water pipe. When perpendicular, the valve is 100% closed.
Older homes may feature a round wheel-style gate valve. Turn the wheel clockwise ('righty-tighty') multiple revolutions until it sits firmly seated. Never force an older gate valve with pliers if it feels jammed, as aging valve stems can snap.
Shutting Off Water at the Street Curb Meter Box
If the interior valve is missing, frozen, or broken, you must shut off the water at the municipal meter box located near the street curb or sidewalk in your front lawn.
Pry open the heavy cast-iron or composite meter lid using a screwdriver. Inside, locate the brass valve on the street side of the meter. Use a slotted steel water meter key (available at hardware stores) to rotate the brass valve lug 90 degrees until the padlock holes align.
Depressurizing the Plumbing Lines
Once the main valve is shut off, relieve residual pressure trapped inside the pipes by opening the lowest exterior outdoor hose bib and an indoor ground-floor cold water faucet.
This drains remaining water out of the system away from living areas and prevents residual water from leaking through the burst pipe compromise.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tool do I need to turn off the water at the street meter?+
A five-foot steel water meter key (curb stop key) with a T-handle and notched end provides the leverage needed to rotate stiff municipal brass meter valves.
Is it legal for a homeowner to shut off water at the street meter?+
Yes, in emergency flood situations where an interior valve is inaccessible or non-functional, homeowners have the legal right to close the street curb stop to mitigate catastrophic property damage.
Standing Water in Your Home? Minutes Count.
Emergency water extraction units are on call 24 hours a day across all major metropolitan service areas. Call now for priority dispatch.