How to Find Your Water Shutoff Valves (All of Them)
5 minute knowledge that prevents thousands in damage. Locate them today.
TL;DR
Every home has 1 main shutoff (at meter or where supply enters home) and individual shutoffs at each fixture. Locate them ALL today before you need them. Test that they actually work. The 5 minutes you spend now can save you tens of thousands.
What’s in this guide
- Main shutoff
- Fixture shutoffs
- Water heater
- Test that they work
- Label them
The single most valuable plumbing knowledge a homeowner can have: where every shutoff valve is and how to use it. Here’s your home’s map.
Tools & Materials You’ll Need
Tools
- Flashlight
- Notebook
Materials
- Tags or labels for valves
Step-by-Step Instructions
Find the Main Shutoff at the Meter
Walk to the front of your property. The water meter is typically in a concrete box at the property line. Inside is a valve — usually a quarter-turn ball valve handle. This shuts off water to your entire home.
Find Fixture Shutoffs
Under each sink: two valves (hot and cold). Behind toilets: one valve. Behind washing machine: two valves. Behind dishwasher: one valve. At water heater: cold supply valve. Walk through and locate each.
Find Water Heater Shutoff
On top of the water heater is a cold-water supply valve (turn off this to drain or service). Find it.
Test Each Valve
Close each valve, run the corresponding fixture briefly to verify water stops, reopen. Note any valves that don’t close fully or are seized.
Label and Document
Tag each valve with a small label. Take a photo of each, with location notes. Share with everyone in your household. Print and post inside a kitchen cabinet.
Valves seize from non-use. Exercise every shutoff in your home twice yearly (open, close, open). Takes 10 minutes. Prevents the 2 AM emergency where the seized valve makes your problem 10x worse.
Old gate valves can fail when forced
If a hand-wheel valve doesn’t close after gentle effort, don’t force it. Replace.
Real Scenarios from Our LA Service Calls
Couldn’t find shutoff during emergency
Galvanized supply burst at 3 AM. Owner spent 30 minutes searching for shutoff in the dark while water continued. By the time main was off, $18,000 in damage. Owner had never located shutoffs prior.
When to Call a Plumber Instead
DIY isn’t always the right call. Bring in a licensed plumber if any of these apply:
- Shutoff valves seized
- Need new quarter-turn ball valves installed
- Water heater valve replacement
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I shut off main when leaving for vacation?
For trips longer than 7 days: yes. Cheap insurance.
Can I install my own shutoffs?
Quarter-turn ball valves at fixtures: yes (DIY). Main shutoff: pro recommended.
How long does a quarter-turn valve last?
25+ years. Old gate valves: 10–15 years before seizing.
Should I label them all?
Yes. Save yourself in an emergency.
What if I rent?
You should still know where they are. Tell your landlord if any are seized.
Need professional help in Los Angeles?
Same-day service. Flat-fee pricing. No surprise add-ons.
Call (818) 938-8660
