Every home is required to have a main water shut off valve. Diana enjoys sharing her knowledge and making a positive difference in the community. Repeat this as many times as necessary until the stuck water valve opens/closes all the way. How To Locate Your Main Water Shutoff Valve. It might be labeled “water meter” to help you identify it. Finally, if the first two methods of fixing the stuck valve aren’t quite working, it might be time to grab a wrench. These supply stops usually have a small round or oval handle that you turn clockwise two to four full turns to shut off the flow of water. With two prime locations, we are uniquely positioned to provide a rapid 24 hour response to fire and water damage emergencies in all of Chicagoland and suburbs including Evanston, Northbrook. Next, check outside your house. Alternatively, the water meter may provide the easiest location to turn off the water. Most homeowners find their shut off valves for kitchen and bathroom sinks in the cabinets under those fixtures. Introducing "One Thing": A New Video Series, The Spruce Gardening & Plant Care Review Board, The Spruce Renovations and Repair Review Board. Most homeowners find their shut off valves for kitchen and bathroom sinks in the cabinets under those fixtures. What you’ll be looking for is a cement box, also known as a Buffalo box, buried underground. You’re always invited to join our online community and be a part of the conversation. Do you know the location of your home’s main water shut off valve? This skill could come in handy the next time you have a plumbing emergency. For an in-depth detail on turning off the main water shut-off value check out this post. Most mobile homes also have a second main shut-off valve, usually located somewhere near the water heater. Your underground valve may look as though it could be turned by hand, but if it hasn’t moved in years, don’t count on it. This information is not intended as an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, a franchise. Then, other covers lift off with no tools needed – just give the lid a twist. 4. Here's where you can find your pipes and water shutoff valves! In garden or lawn irrigation system each valve is accountable to one area or zone. All rights reserved. If you are lucky, there will be a section of easily removable siding nearby that you can just unscrew or slide out of the way to get to the shut-off valve. The easiest places to begin your search are plumbing areas located closest to your water heater. This configuration is common in colder regions, where a stop-and-waste valve is installed somewhere before the water pipe runs in under the home. Continue this throughout the home as needed. Here’s a quick overview. If there is no second valve, then you'll need to get permission from the water company to turn off their valve. Routinely check outside and inside shut off valves for signs of wear or leaks. Toilet water shut off valve. Or the main shut-off may be a ball valve with a lever; to shut the water off, turn the handle fully so it is perpendicular to the water pipe. Be sure to test it once and a while as these can become difficult to turn over time. You don’t know it’s happened until it’s too late. You may need a flashlight to locate the main water pipe. We really enjoy sharing information that helps you handle the unexpected. the location of your home’s main water shut off valve. Try to open the stuck valve now that the oils had a chance to work. But there are also situations where you may want to shut off the main water supply to the entire home. Here’s a quick overview. Here’s What to Do, southeast of the Illinois Holocaust Museum. If you're experiencing a leak or other plumbing problems that require you to turn off the water main to your home, call the experts at Roto-Rooter as every second counts. Some older homes may have the shut-off valve inside the crawl space instead of the basement. WARNING: old water valves can be damaged and corroded. The city’s valve is always located on the street side of your water meter, often near the edge of your yard. In case of an emergency, such as a burst pipe or major leak, it's important to know how to quickly turn off the water to your home. Do You Need Regular Plumbing Maintenance. Identify Your Shut Off Valve – When you remove the lid, you’ll see two valves on either side of the water meter. How Do You Know If A Water Valve Is Open Or Closed? If the bolt isn’t recessed, you may be able to turn it with a simple pair of pliers. First, make sure that you shut off the water that supplies the valve you’re going to be working on. By turning it clockwise, you will effectively shut off the water to your home. If your home is built on a slab, check in the garage or near the water heater for the shut off valve. Its important to know which valve manages each system. A gate valve will have a wheel that will turn all the way around. Is Lavish Toilet Paper Harming Your Plumbing? Stop-and-waste type valves have a small rectangular knob that must be turned by a key shaped to fit the knob. A ball valve will only turn halfway and is most common in homes with plastic or copper main water pipes. For typical city dwellings, there are actually two main shut-off valves: one that the city controls outside of your house and one that you can control inside the house. Some residences have multiple shut off valves that manage different water supplies; one supply for the house and a second supply for an emergency sprinkler system. Burst pipe cause flooding in your home? Get daily tips and tricks for making your best home. An established restoration contractor helps you navigate the insurance claims process too. There’s usually a water supply shutoff valve next to your water meter outside where the city can easily turn on or off your water. Make sure everyone in the family knows where all shut off valves are located and how to use them. [Roto-Rooter jingle]. Make sure to shut off the water supply for the house and leave the sprinklers alone. That’s enough water to handle a full cycle of dirty clothes in the washing machine. We're available 24/7 at 888-302-4368. Log in, I think you’ll agree with me that trying to turn off a stuck, My Top Picks For How To Fix Stuck Water Valves. Examine any yard or irrigation boxes you find situated at ground level in the yard. How to Turn Off Main Water Valve. Put a restoration company on your contact list so that you always have backup in case of a water emergency. If the valve moves at all, add a little more. The main shut-off valve often comes in from under the house, where it is protected. Or, the shut-off valve may be located somewhere in the yard outside the mobile home. 1. If you’ve ever had a busted pipe, then you understand the importance of not waiting until the last minute to learn about the piping in your home! Be sure to test it once and a while as these can become difficult to turn over time. Call us today at (972) 263-5010 to schedule an appointment! But there are also situations where you may want to shut off the main water supply to the entire home. Once located, the shut-off will usually have one of two designs. If you cannot find your main water shut-off inside the home, the next place to look is outside, near the front curb. A gate valve will have a wheel that will turn all the way around. This valve can take several appearances. When it comes to protecting your home from a water disaster, an ounce of prevention can head off thousands of gallons of damage. Many older homes have them only at toilets, if at all. If the water main shut off valve is located outside, it will be buried underground near the street. Privacy Policy | Terms of Use. Some homes have their shutoff valves located either inside or outside of the house or apartment. If the valve is located inside, turn it clockwise to shut off the water supply to your home.