How to shut off your main water valve

Every homeowner should know where their main water valve is. When a pipe bursts, the difference between a wet floor and a ruined kitchen is often the two minutes it takes to find it.

Where to look first

Most homes in Central Texas have the main valve where the water line enters the house. Start with the garage wall that faces the street, then check utility closets, the laundry room and the space under the kitchen sink.

Older homes sometimes have the valve in a small box in the yard, close to the foundation. Newer homes often put it next to the water heater.

Check the street side too

If you cannot find a valve inside, look for a rectangular box near the curb with a metal or plastic lid. That is the meter box. The city side valve is inside, usually next to the meter. You may need a meter key from a hardware store to turn it.

How to turn it off

A round wheel valve turns clockwise until it stops. Do not force it past that point. A lever valve turns a quarter turn, so the handle ends up across the pipe instead of along it.

After the water is off, open a faucet on the lowest floor to let the pressure out of the pipes. Then turn off the water heater, so it does not run empty.

Test it once a year

Valves that sit untouched for years can seize. Turn yours off and back on once a year. If it sticks, leaks or will not close all the way, we can replace it in under an hour, and you will be glad it was done before an emergency.