November 14/2022

How to Find a Water Shut-off Valve Outside

Every homeowner should know where the main water shut-off valve is located and how to turn it off. A plumbing emergency such as a burst pipe can happen at any time, and the key to minimizing the damage to your house is cutting off the water supply as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, the location of the main water shut-off valve is one of those things that most homeowners don’t think about until they are facing a plumbing emergency. It’s important to make time to find where the main water shut-off valve is located in your home in readiness for any plumbing emergency that may require turning off the water supply.

At Mr. Rooter Plumbing, we know the common places to check for the main water shut-off valve, thanks to our experience in the plumbing industry. Below are tips on how to locate the main water shut-off valve in your home.

Check Outside Your Home

The main water shut-off valve is typically located at the edge of your house on the side facing the street or along the boundary between the property line and the sidewalk. Look for a covered metal box buried in the ground near your front curb.

Check Your Basement

If you have a basement, you can find the shut-off valve along the front wall of the house. The valve is typically installed within 3 to 5 feet of where the main water enters. If you have a crawlspace, look for the shut-off valve near the water heater or under the kitchen sink.

Scour The Interior Perimeter

In most cases, the main water shut-off valve will be located on the perimeter wall of your house. Search along the side facing the street and look for where the plumbing comes into your home.

Read Your Home Inspection Report

Get hold of the home inspection report that was generated during the purchase of your home. The plumbing section of the document must contain information that indicates the location of the main water shut-off valve.

How to Turn Off the Water Shut-Off Valve

This will depend on the configuration of the valve. A circular-style valve with a round handle should be rotated in a clockwise direction. For a lever-style valve, pull the handle a quarter turn to the "OFF" position.

If you need help finding the main water shut-off valve, you can reach out to a reliable plumbing company.

Call Mr. Rooter Plumbing for All of Your Plumbing Service Needs

When you’re in need of plumbing service in your home or business, you can rely on Mr. Rooter Plumbing to get the job done right. Perhaps you need help finding the main water shut-off valve in your home, you have a plumbing emergency such as a burst pipe, or maybe you want to schedule regular plumbing service in your property. At Mr. Rooter Plumbing, we are available to help you with all of your plumbing needs. Our knowledgeable, experienced, and well equipped plumbers have what it takes to handle all of your plumbing needs and exceed your expectations.