How to Shut Off Water to Your House

When a pipe bursts, every minute the water runs adds more damage. A supply line can push out a lot of water quickly, and it doesn't stop until someone closes a valve. Knowing where your main shutoff is, and making sure it works, is one of the most useful things you can do to protect your home. Find it today, before you need it.

Where to find the main water shutoff

Homes with basements

In most Colorado homes, the main water line comes in from the street through the front foundation wall. Look on the basement wall that faces the street, low on the wall or near the floor. The valve is usually close to the water meter, if the meter is inside. In finished basements, it may be behind an access panel, inside a closet or under the stairs.

Homes without basements

Check these spots:

• A utility closet or near the water heater
• Under the kitchen sink, on the line coming up through the floor
• In a crawl space, near where the line enters the foundation
• In the garage, on the wall closest to the street

Condos and apartments

Your unit may have its own shutoff in a utility closet, behind an access panel near the water heater or under a sink. If not, the building's shutoff is controlled by the HOA or property manager. Ask them where it is now.

The curb stop

There's also a valve outside, usually in a small round or rectangular box near the sidewalk or property line. It's called the curb stop. It often requires a special key, and in some places only the water provider is supposed to use it. Use it only if your inside valve fails.

How to close each type of valve

A simple way to remember it: "righty-tighty, lefty-loosey."

Step by step: what to do in a water emergency

• Close the main valve. If the leak is from one fixture, its local shutoff may be enough.
• Turn off electricity to wet areas if outlets, cords or appliances are near the water and you can reach the breaker safely.
• Open the lowest faucet in the house to drain water left in the pipes.
• Turn the water heater to vacation or off if the water will be off for a while.
• Take photos and video of the damage for your insurance claim.
• Call a plumber to fix the leak, and a water damage company to remove the water and start drying.

What to do if the valve won't turn

Old gate valves can seize after years without use. Try firm, steady pressure with both hands. Don't hit it or use a long wrench as a lever, because the stem can snap and make the leak worse. If it won't move:

• Use the curb stop if you have the right key and are allowed to
• Call your water provider's emergency line
• Call a plumber

After the emergency, have a plumber replace a stuck gate valve with a quarter-turn ball valve. Ball valves are easier to close quickly.

Test your main valve once a year

Close the valve all the way, then open a faucet to confirm the water stops. Open the valve again fully. Doing this once a year keeps it from seizing and confirms it works. Make sure everyone in the house knows where it is, and keep the area around it clear of boxes and shelving.

Upgrades that help

Automatic leak detection and shutoff. These devices sense a leak or unusual flow and close the main valve on their own. The IBHS recommends them, especially for homes that sit empty during travel.

Braided steel hoses. Replace rubber washer and dishwasher hoses with braided stainless steel versions.

Water sensors. Inexpensive battery sensors under the water heater, washer and sinks can alert your phone when they detect water.

When to call a pro

Shutting off the water stops new damage, but the water already in the house keeps spreading into drywall, pad and subfloor. Call a restoration company if water reached carpet, walls, ceilings or more than one room. Fast water extraction and drying keeps the cleanup small. If wood floors got wet, read our guide to water-damaged hardwood floors.