How to Locate and Turn Off Your Water Main

One way to avoid major flood damage is to learn how to turn off the water supply to a house or place of business. Water leaks occur due to both natural disasters and everyday wear and tear, resulting in substantial damage. Every year, claims for freezing and water damage account for around 25% of homeowner’s insurance claims.

In a plumbing emergency, the main water shutoff valve prevents water access to a home’s plumbing system, allowing you time to determine the cause of the problems. You can find the valve in the front yard or the basement, depending on the type of house you live in.

Common Places the Main Water Valve Might be Located

Basement

The majority of main water shutdown valves are found within homes, usually in the basement if one exists. They are located a short distance from the point where the water line enters the house. Check any utility areas running along your home’s side, facing the street, such as the laundry room or the area near the water heater.

Crawlspace

Some homes have a crawlspace or one inside the basement. Depending on the design and construction of the property, the water line usually passes through the crawlspace before entering the house. The primary water shutoff valve may be located in the crawlspace. If so, you might want to add a second shutdown valve for convenience and quick access in the main living area.

Exterior Wall

If your house is in a country with a mostly warm climate, the main shutoff valve might be placed outdoors on an exterior wall. In such an area, it is not necessary to bury the main water line well below the frost line. To find the shutoff valve for the house, start your search outside, near the outdoor faucet.

The Yard

The main water shutdown valve is located outside but not always on the property’s external wall. In some instances, the valve is placed in the yard below ground. Search for an underground access panel.

Though there’s a chance the panel might be covered in grass and mud, it’s normally close to the street. The curb stop valve, which can be controlled by people only with training and authorization from the nearby water utility company, may be the only device housed in the access panel.

Types of Main Water Valves

Understanding the types of main water shutoff valves and how they operate can help you make informed decisions for maintenance, repairs, or new installations.

Gate Valve

Residential dwellings used to frequently choose gate valves, but because ball valves are more resilient, most new construction now use the latter instead of the former.

The circular handle of a gate valve is fixed atop a stem attached to the valve’s body. Water flow stops when the operator rotates the valve clockwise, closing the gate inside the valve body. Water flow can be restored by opening the gate and turning the valve counterclockwise.

Ball Valve

Because they are simpler to operate and seen as more dependable than gate valves, ball valves are the ideal choice for a primary water shutdown valve. The handle of a ball valve is attached to the valve body directly and resembles a lever. The ball inside the valve body moves to close or open the valve when the lever is turned 90°. The valve is open if the lever is parallel to or in line with the water line. If the lever is perpendicular to the water line, the valve is closed. The valve closes if the lever is not parallel to the water line.

Compression Valve

Compression valves, commonly referred to as stop valves, block the flow of water by using a rubber gasket placed into the center of the valve. Turn the handle to the right to shut off the main water supply and to the left so that it flows again, just like with a gate valve. These valves are intended solely as isolation valves for toilets, sinks, and other fixtures because the water channel isn’t the most efficient.

Steps on How to Shut Off the Main Water Valve

Once you have located the main water valve and identified its type, follow these steps to shut it off:

Step #1

Rotate the handle clockwise to shut off round “wheel” handle valves. This might require two or more complete turns. Level handle valves should be turned by ¼ turns at a time until they are no longer parallel to the pipe. At a ¼ turn, it ought to halt.

Step #2

To release pressure, open the hot and cold sink or tub faucets on the uppermost floor of the house and check the spout to make sure the water has stopped pouring.

Step #3

If needed, keep turning on the faucets to let the water drain throughout the house.

Step #4

When draining the house, carefully de-energize the boiler and water heater by turning off the electricity to them. Reduce the thermostat to the pilot setting on gas water heaters, and shut off the gas if the heater is emptied.

Final Word

If the main water shut-off valve in the house is missing or you can’t locate it, you should seek assistance from the local water authority. The water department can turn off the water at the curb stop, even if they are unable to assist in finding the valve. This will free you or a plumber to install the main shutoff valve for your house.

Another option is to contact plumbing services in East Windsor that have experience detecting water lines. They might be able to find the main shutoff valve or, at the absolute least, establish that the house is devoid of a main valve by tracing the location of the main water line entry.

With Bob Hoegler Plumbing LLC. Fast & Reliable Plumbing Services in Sayreville Are Just a Call Away!

Are you experiencing plumbing issues? Trust our team of expert plumbers to fix it right. With years of experience and a commitment to top-notch plumbing repairs in Spotswood, we offer lasting solutions to all your plumbing needs. Whether it’s a leaky faucet, a malfunctioning water heater, or a backed-up drain, we have you covered.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment with our skilled plumbers. We will diagnose the issue quickly, explain it clearly, and offer affordable options to fix it. For more information, call 732.595.2078.