Where Is My Home Water Main (Shutoff Valve)?
There is no universal location for your home water shutoff valve. However, the location is likely dependent on your water source:
- Inside your house, likely on a wall on the street side of your house
- In warmer climates, outside your home near an outside faucet
- Outside your house, near your curb, under a plastic or metal lid likely marked water
- Outside your house, near your private well pump and/or near your pressure tank
The first three options apply if you use municipal water (i.e. city water). The fourth option applies if you have well water.
So, so the first step in finding your main water shutoff valve is figuring out whether your water supply is municipal or well.
The easiest way to determine your water source is to check if you receive a water bill. If so, you’re likely on municipal water.
Take a few minutes to locate your valve now, before an emergency strikes, so you’ll know exactly how to find your main water shut-off and act quickly when needed.
Where Should I Look INSIDE My House for the Shutoff Valve?
To locate your home water shutoff valve indoors:
- Find an exterior faucet on the front of your house.
- Head to the lowest level of your home (such as the basement or first floor).
- Check the inside wall that lines up with that faucet.
- Look for a water pump shutoff valve or main shutoff, which will either be lever-style (ball valve) or wheel-style (gate valve).
To shut off your water, turn the valve clockwise. For a lever, rotate it a quarter turn until it’s perpendicular to the pipe. For a wheel valve, turn clockwise until it stops.
When restoring water, turn the valve counterclockwise slowly to prevent pipe damage or bursts. A pipe burst can cost you anywhere from $200 to $3,000, so it’s to your advantage to take your time!
Where Should I Look OUTSIDE My House for the Shutoff Valve?
If you can’t find your home water shutoff valve indoors, then check these three outdoor locations:
- Near an Exterior Faucet: In warmer climates, the main water shutoff valve is often located next to an outdoor faucet. Look for a lever or wheel. Turn the valve clockwise to shut off the water. Like before, to restore water, slowly turn it counterclockwise.
- At the Curb or in a Ground Box: Your main water shutoff valve may be in a cement box near your street-side curb, under a lid marked “Water.” Use a water meter key or sturdy pliers to lift the lid. Remove any dirt or sand inside and locate the valve closest to your house—this is the one you should turn clockwise to shut off water. Again, when turning it back on, go slowly counterclockwise.
- Near a Private Well Pump and Pressure Tank: For homes with a well, the shutoff valve is typically near the well pump or pressure tank. Turn the valve clockwise to shut off water. To restore service, follow safe steps for how to turn on well water by slowly turning the valve counterclockwise.
Knowing how to find your main water shutoff outside ensures you can quickly respond to leaks or emergencies, whether you’re on municipal water or a private well.
What’s the Key Takeaway for Protecting My Home?
Knowing how to find and turn off your home water main is your first line of defense against plumbing disasters. It can save your budget, your house, and your life.
Another way to protect your budget is with a home warranty from 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty (2-10). A 2-10 home warranty could help reduce the costs of covered plumbing breakdowns. 2-10 also offers coverage for well pumps as an additional option.
While a 2-10 home warranty won’t cover flood damage, it can still provide coverage for major items you use every day, like your plumbing and water heater, saving you money when covered issues arise.
