When a pipe bursts or a supply line fails, water can cause serious damage in minutes. The single most useful thing you can do in those first moments is shut off your home's main water valve. Many homeowners have never located theirs, and in an emergency that delay is costly.
Where to find your main shutoff valve
In most single-family California homes, the main valve is in one of a few common places:
- Outside near the street: a covered box or meter near the property line.
- Along the front or side of the house: where the main line enters the foundation.
- Inside: a utility room, garage, or crawlspace.
In a condo or apartment, ask the property manager where the unit shutoff is located.
How to shut it off
Turn the valve clockwise until it stops. Gate valves (round handle) can take several turns, while ball valves (lever handle) turn a quarter turn. Once the water is off, open a faucet at the lowest point in the home to relieve pressure in the lines.
Test it before you need it
Run a faucet, then close the valve and confirm the water stops. This proves the valve works and that you have found the right one. If it is stuck, corroded, or leaking, have it looked at before an emergency happens.
While you wait for help
For an active leak or a burst pipe, shutting off the water should be your first move, followed by moving valuables clear of the water. See our emergency plumbing service or call (800) 390-6351 any time, day or night.
Questions about your own plumbing? Contact us or call (800) 390-6351. This article is general guidance, not a diagnosis.