For typical city dwellings there are actually two main shut off valves.
Main water shut off valve outside of house.
The city s valve is always located on the street side of your water meter often near the edge of your yard.
Everyone in your home should know where the main water shutoff valve is located so they can stop the water in an.
Shutting off the main valve that controls all the water for your home is the best protection against catastrophic water damage.
If you have a water leak or just need to turn off the water in your home for remodeling or repairs you must turn off your water upstream at some point.
This turns off water to the entire house even outside spigots.
Details and alternatives.
In all homes you can shut off the water at the main water cut off valve.
To protect your home you should always have a working inside stop valve and use this as the main way to turn your water on and off.
This valve is usually in the basement or on an outside wall in a utility area of the house.
Your outside stop valve also known as stopcock or stop tap controls the cold water supply going into your home.
If the house s water main shutoff malfunctions the water utility usually has a shutoff outside the home that they can access.
Routinely check outside and inside shut off valves for signs of wear or leaks.
If you notice your main water shut off valve leaking contact a plumbing professional right away.
Turn off the pipe freezing tool and let the pipe unfreeze.
This guide reviews the types of water shut off valves how they are used and where to find them inside and outside your home.
The main shutoff valve allows a full flow of water through the pipe when it s open.
If you get drips of water coming through your pipes even with the main shutoff valve completely closed it s probably time to replace the shutoff with a new ball valve.
Indoor water shut off valve.
One that the city controls outside of your house and one that you can control inside the house.
In colder climates the main water shutoff is typically in the basement.
Shut off water in your house.
It s not complicated but the house water will be off so it s a good idea to get your ducks in a row before you start.
Tag your home s outside shut off valve to avoid confusion with the city s valve.
Upgrade older gate valves to a more reliable ball valve.
Turning off this valve by turning it clockwise cuts off the water supply to the entire house.