How To Find Your Home's Main Water Shutoff Valve

3/12/2023 (Permalink)

Finding your home's main water shutoff valve is an important step in protecting your property from water damage.

As a homeowner, it's important to know where your home's main water shutoff valve is located. In the event of a water emergency, such as a burst pipe or major leak, shutting off the main water supply can help prevent costly damage to your property. Here's how to find your home's main water shutoff valve.

Locate Your Water Meter

The first step in finding your main water shutoff valve is to locate your water meter. This is typically located outside your home, near the street or sidewalk. It may be inside a meter box or a covered pit.

Check the Area Near Your Water Meter

Once you've located your water meter, check the surrounding area for any visible pipes. Your main water shutoff valve is typically located within a few feet of your water meter, either inside or outside your home. Look for a valve or lever that controls the water flow.

Look for Your Home's Curb Valve

If you can't find your main water shutoff valve near your water meter, it's possible that your home has a curb valve. This valve is typically located near the street, in a box or pit. To access the curb valve, you may need a special tool or key. Contact your local water department to find out more information.

Check Your Home's Inspection Report

If you're still having trouble finding your main water shutoff valve, check your home's inspection report. This report should contain information about the location of your main water shutoff valve. If you can't find your inspection report, contact your home inspector or a local plumber for assistance.

Turn Off Individual Water Valves

If you cannot find your main water shutoff valve, the first thing you should do is turn off individual water valves. These valves are usually located near plumbing fixtures such as sinks, toilets, and water heaters. By turning off these valves, you can isolate the area where the problem is occurring and prevent further damage.

Label Your Valve

Once you've located your main water shutoff valve, it's important to label it so that it's easy to find in an emergency. Use a waterproof marker or label maker to mark the valve with "main water shutoff valve" or "emergency water shutoff." Make sure that all members of your household know where the valve is located and how to shut it off.

In conclusion, finding your home's main water shutoff valve is an important step in protecting your property from water damage. Take the time to locate your valve and label it for easy identification in an emergency. If you're having trouble finding your valve, don't hesitate to give our SERVPRO of Indiana County team a call today! Our team can help shut off the flow of water and clean up the mess that was left behind.