Find and test the main water shutoff
When a pipe bursts, knowing where the main valve is and that it turns saves minutes that matter. Find it once, test it, and show everyone at home.
Remind meHavenCue can remind your household every year. Free to set up.
Last reviewed against 1 official source.
Who this is for
Every household. Renters: ask your landlord where the valve is and whether you may use it in an emergency.
Where is my main water shutoff valve?
No official interval. Ready.gov says to find the valve, tag it and make sure it closes fully. General guidance: try it once a year so you know it still turns.
General guidance, not an official interval
What you need
Tools
- Flashlight
- A tag or bright tape and a marker
Supplies
- None
Steps
- Find the valveLook where the main water line enters the house: often a basement, crawl space, garage or utility closet, near the water meter.
- Tag itHang a tag or wrap bright tape on it so anyone can spot it in a hurry.
- Turn it offClose the valve all the way. Ready.gov notes that a valve can be rusted open or may only close part way.
- Check that the water stopsOpen a cold tap. The flow should slow and stop.
- Turn it back onOpen the valve fully and let the tap run until the air clears.
- Show everyone at homeMake sure every adult and older child knows where the valve is and how to close it.
- Write the location downKeep it with your emergency information. HavenCue’s Emergency home guide stores shutoff locations and works offline.
Safety notes
- Use the valve at the house. Ready.gov says the street valve in the curb box is very hard to turn and needs a special tool.
- After a disaster, cracked lines can pollute your water. Keep the water off until authorities say it is safe to drink.
- Gas is different: do not practice turning the gas off, and only a qualified professional may turn it back on.
When to call a professional
- The valve will not turn, will not close fully, or drips after you use it. Ready.gov says a valve like that should be replaced.
- You cannot find the valve.
Sources
- Safety Skills: utility shut-off (opens in a new tab)Ready.gov (U.S. Department of Homeland Security) · Government
This guide is general information written in our own words from the sources above. Your owner’s manual and the instructions for your own equipment come first.
Tell it once. It remembers.
General guidance: turn it once a year so you know it still closes.