Water Shut-Off Valves & How To Turn Off Water To The House

No one ever wants to see water from a burst pipe filling your home, but sometimes this nerve-wracking event can happen. That’s why it’s important to learn how to turn off the water to your house to limit the damage.

Sure, “Where is the water shut-off valve?” may not be the first question you ask when you purchase a new home. However, it could prove to be one of the most important questions, considering how much money—and how many headaches—the knowledge could end up saving you if your pipes are leaking.

Read on to find out what you need to know about your home’s main water shut-off valve.

What is a main water shut-off valve?

As you know, your home is full of plumbing. There are pipes running behind your walls and under your floors that direct water to and from your plumbing accessories, such as faucets, toilets, and bathtubs. Although most, if not all, of your accessories have their own shut-off valves located close to them (such as your water heater’s shut-off valve), there is a way to ensure all the house’s plumbing is turned off at one time. The main valve turns off water to the house, so you don’t need to adjust each accessory individually.

Why is my water valve’s location important?

Imagine this scenario: You’ve just walked in from a long day at work only to be greeted with the sound of running water and squishing beneath your feet. You have a burst pipe. And, therefore, you have a big problem on your hands. Rather than let the water continue spewing out and making the damage—and your cost to fix it—worse while you wait for the plumber to come, you’ll want to close your inside main water valve to ensure the water stops flowing.

Likewise, if you plan to do any remodeling to your home or dive into any plumbing ventures, such as replacing old pipes, you’ll want to make sure to turn off water to the house during the projects. This way, water buildup won’t occur as the result of a burst pipe during demolition or construction.