Finding and Testing Your Shut-Off Valve
A shut-off valve you can't find, or one that won't close, is no help in an emergency. Ten minutes now can save a lot of damage later.
Request a plumberCity water
Look where the line enters the house: in the crawl space, basement or a utility room, often near the water heater. There's usually another valve at the meter box by the street.
Well water
Homes on wells have a valve after the pressure tank. Know where it is, and where the breaker for the well pump is.
Open or closed
A lever handle is closed when it's across the pipe. A round handle closes clockwise.
Test it
Close the valve and open a faucet. If water keeps running after a minute, the valve isn't sealing.
Fixture valves
Toilets, sinks, the washer and the water heater should have their own valves so you can isolate one leak.
If it won't close
Ask a plumber to replace it. If water is running, see emergency plumbing.
Show everyone
Show everyone in the house where the valve is and how it closes. For rentals and second homes, leave a note for guests or tenants with the location of the main and the well pump breaker.
Upgrade old valves
If your main is an old gate valve that's stiff or weeps, ask about a quarter-turn ball valve. It closes in one motion.
Crawl space valves
If your main is in the crawl space, keep the hatch clear and a flashlight and gloves beside it. In an emergency you don't want to be moving stored boxes or searching for a light before you can reach the valve.
More plumbing guides
Request a plumber
Repairs, renovations and new projects. Tell us what you need and we'll pass it straight to a plumber, who will call you to go over the job and give you a quote.
- Plumbing repairs, renovations and new projects
- Asheville and nearby mountain towns
- Get a quote before any work starts
Plumbing problem in Asheville?
Send a request and a plumber will get in touch. Requests answered 7 days a week.
Prefer email? [email protected]