How To Turn Off The Water In Your Home

1/23/2020 (Permalink)

Photo by Samara Doole via Upsplash

Don't wait until water is gushing into your home to figure out how to shut off the water supply in your home.  Take a few moments to have a "dry" run turning it off so you are prepared for an emergency.  

Main Shut Off Valve

In most cases, the main shut off valve will be near the perimeter of the house.  If you are in the basement, look at eye level or above.  If you are on the ground floor, look down.  If you still can't find it, go outside to the water meter utility box.  Imagine a straight line extending to the nearest point on your homes exterior.  Where that line meets your house is likely where the shut off valve is located.  

Streetside Shut Off Valve

Typically there is a valve located at the beginning of your water main, at the boundary line of your property.  Before turning it off call the water company's emergency line.  They will either tell you to shut it off or will dispatch an emergency crew.  

Shut Off Close To The Source

If you have a leak in your toilet, sink or washing machine, it is best to turn the water off close to the source first.  

• Toilets: Look under the toilet, against the wall for the flexible metal tubing.  Turn the handle clockwise until it stops
• Sinks:  Look under the sink cabinet.  You will see two sets of flexible metal tubes.  Turn the handles on both valves clockwise to shut off.  
• Washing Machine: Some houses have the valves clearly exposed behind the washer.  Turn both clockwise to shut off the water.  If you don't see the valves, pull out the washer from the wall and they should be found easily.

Getting the water shut off quickly is always the first step for a water emergency in your home.  Your second step should be calling SERVPRO of Norwich and Windham County at (860)887-0447.  We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.