How To Turn Off The Toilet Water Valve

If you can reply this question — "Where is my main water shut off valve? — then, congratulations! You know the beginning line of defense in any water damage state of affairs.

You too know the starting time step in most major plumbing repairs effectually the domicile.

This article is for you if y'all're uncertain where your main water supply's shut off valve is located and how to turn it off.

What is the Main Water Shut Off Valve?

The master water close off valve controls the flow of fresh water into your entire home. Water arrives at your home from a public source of h2o like your municipality's water supply. Sometimes, it comes from a individual source like a well.

Water first has to become by a gatekeeper to menses through your pipes and find its way to the residue of the house. That gatekeeper is your main h2o shut off valve. When turned on, the flow of water is available everywhere in your home. When turned off, water is no longer bachelor in your dwelling.

There also are water shut off valves that command the period of water into a specific fixture (as opposed to the unabridged house). The shut off valves under your toilet, kitchen sink, or washing automobile are three examples.

where is my main water shut off valve - shut off located in basement near water meter — Typically, the shut-off valve (discover the red brawl valve on the correct) is located in the basement close to your water meter. The valve in this photograph is in the off position and not letting whatsoever h2o into your domicile.

Where is the Main H2o Shut Off Valve?

The principal valve for your water supply is usually institute in the basement or utility room most the h2o meter, h2o heater, or on the forepart wall closest to the street.

In older apartment buildings, the main water supply valve is located in the basement. However, in some new buildings, main h2o supply valves are located on each floor in the utility room.

Expect, y'all don't have a basement? No trouble. Check one of your closets. Information technology'south often found in the cupboard closest to the front door but could be in any utility cupboard. If you still can't observe it, expect around your water heater (which might also be in a closet).

To make sure y'all've marked the correct valve, plough on a sink faucet and and then shut off the main valve. If the water from the sink stops, then you've found the right valve.

PRO TIP: To quickly identify the valve in an emergency, hang a bright-colored tag on it.

Hither is Dino showing yous where to find the primary h2o close off valve in your home or flat. Y'all can lookout this video on YouTube also.

What Kind of Valve Exercise You Have?

The two most mutual chief water supply valves are gate and ball.

Gate Valve: This type of shut off valve has a wheel-shaped know handle (or knob). It is virtually often establish in older homes. It tin be difficult to turn if it is muddy or has not been used in a long fourth dimension.
Brawl Valve: This type of close off valve is more commonly seen in newer homes. Information technology has a lever handle that requires just a quarter turn to shut information technology off. If installed properly, the lever is in line with the pipe that it'south fastened to when turned on. When turned off, the lever is perpendicular (at a ninety-degree correct angle) to the piping.

ball valve vs gate valve - where is my main water shut off valve — Although the insides of a ball valve (left) and a gate valve (right) are different, you'll only notice the 2 types of handles. A brawl valve uses a lever while the gate valve used a wheel.

Shutting Off the Valve

This is the easy part (even easier than finding the main h2o shut off valve). Here'due south how to plough off your chief water supply using the chief shut off valve:

Gate Valve: Turn the bike clockwise.
Ball Valve: Motion the lever a quarter turn (perpendicular to the pipage)

The same instructions above use for turning off fixture-specific shut off valves.

PRO TIP: Nosotros recommend that you exam your shut-off valve prior to an emergency, twice a year. This is particularly important if you accept a less reliable gate valve. We also recommend that if it'south broken, you have someone supplant it with a ball valve.

How Do I Loosen a Stuck Shut Off Valve?

To loosen a stuck gate valve, y'all'll need lubricating spray similar WD-forty. Simply utilize the lubrication to the nut on the gate valve. After about twenty seconds, you should be able to turn the handle. If it's still stuck, turn the stem under the handle with an adjustable wrench. Be careful: also much pressure can pause the valve.

A stuck brawl valve is rare, simply it does happen from fourth dimension to fourth dimension. To loosen it, utilize the lubricating spray and wait about 20 seconds.

Last Thoughts

It's hard to remember of an easier plumbing job than finding and turning off your main water shut off valve. But in water damage emergencies, nosotros run into all the time that information technology wasn't shut off, causing thousands of more than dollars in damages than necessary.

Now that y'all tin can answer "Where is my h2o shut off valve?", you no longer take to worry almost that happening to you or your home.

Troubleshoot your main water shut-off valve

Call one-Tom-Plumber

Don't hesitate to contact us here or call us at 1-Tom-Plumber (i-866-758-6237) if you need help finding, repairing, or installing a water shut off valve.

1-Tom-Plumber'southward certified team of plumbers and drain technicians respond immediately to whatsoever emergency plumbing, drain cleaning, or water damage trouble. We besides handle the excavation of surreptitious water lines and sewer main lines. Our immediate-response team is available every day and dark of the twelvemonth, fifty-fifty on holidays.