Plumbing emergencies
How to shut off your water in an emergency
Updated · Editorial team; not yet technically reviewed
Short answer
Close the main shutoff valve where the water line enters your home: turn a round (gate) handle clockwise until it stops, or turn a lever (ball) valve a quarter turn so the handle sits across the pipe. If you can't find or turn it, the curb valve at the meter can be closed, often with a meter key.
Where to look
- Basement homes: on the front foundation wall facing the street, near where the line comes through.
- Slab homes (common in the South and West): in the garage, a utility closet, near the water heater, or outside in a box by the foundation.
- Crawl space homes: just inside the crawl space access, or at the meter.
- Warm climates: sometimes outside on an exterior wall, where the line comes up from the ground.
- At the street: the meter box has a curb stop. Some utilities ask customers not to operate it; in an emergency, call the utility.
Closing each valve type
| Valve | How to close | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Ball valve (lever) | A quarter turn so the lever is perpendicular to the pipe | Stiff levers; don't use a cheater bar |
| Gate valve (round wheel) | Clockwise until it stops | Old gate valves can break or not seal fully; don't force them |
| Curb stop at the meter | A quarter turn with a meter key | Utility property in many areas |
Shutting off one fixture
Toilets and sinks usually have small oval-handled supply valves underneath: turn them clockwise. The water heater has a cold-water valve on the inlet pipe at the top. If the leak is hot water, close it and turn off the heater's gas (set to "pilot" or "off") or its circuit breaker.
Do this once before an emergency
- Find the valve and clear access to it.
- Test that it turns (gently) and that the water stops.
- Tag it so everyone in the household can find it.
- If it's stuck or leaks when turned, have a plumber replace it. It's a small job that pays off on the worst day.
Common questions
What if my main shutoff valve won't turn?
Don't force it; an old valve can break and make things worse. Close the curb stop at the meter or call your water utility's emergency number, then call a plumber.
Should I turn off the water heater when the water is off?
If the water will be off for a long time or the heater may drain, turn gas to pilot or switch off the breaker. An electric heater's elements can burn out if powered while empty.
General information; codes vary by location. See our editorial standards.