Finding Your Main Shut-Off Valve

Where to look

In most homes with a basement, the main comes through the foundation wall on the side facing the street, often next to the water meter. In homes without a basement, check the utility room, crawl space or near the hot water tank.

Which way closes it

A lever handle is closed when it sits across the pipe. A round wheel handle closes clockwise. Turn old valves gently; forcing one can break it.

Test it

Close the valve, open a tap and wait a minute. If water still runs, the valve isn't sealing and should be replaced before an emergency.

On a well

Homes on a private well have a valve after the pressure tank. Know where it is, and where the pump's breaker is.

Fixture valves

Toilets, sinks, the washer and the hot water tank should each have a shut-off, so one leak doesn't mean turning off the whole house.

If it won't close

Contact your water utility about the curb valve, and see emergency plumbing.

Show the household

Show everyone in the house where the main is and how it turns. Tie a tag to it or write its location inside a cupboard door, so a house sitter can find it too. Keep a flashlight nearby if it's in a dark corner of the basement.

Replace a stuck valve

Old gate valves with round handles often seize after years without use, or leak around the stem once they're finally turned. A plumber can replace one with a quarter-turn ball valve that closes quickly and reliably, which is well worth doing before winter.

More plumbing guides

• Getting Your Pipes Through a Moncton Winter
• The Spring Thaw and Your Basement
• How Old Is Your Hot Water Tank?
• Why Your Basement Floor Drain Smells
• Checking a New Brunswick Plumber