How do I know if my main water valve is off?

Author: Esther Roob  |  Last update: Wednesday, July 30, 2025

If the ball valve is parallel, it is ON; if it is perpendicular (90° angle), it is OFF. The water meter should also be able to tell you if you have a plumbing leak somewhere in your home. Learn how to read your water meter and conduct a DIY leak detection test here.

How to check if water is turned off?

To verify the water is off, turn on the water anywhere in your home or around your property. Alternatively, if the water is off, the indicator on the face of the meter will stop turning or counting. To turn the water back on, slowly turn the valve one-quarter turn counterclockwise.

Do all homes have a main water shut-off valve?

Every home was required to have a main water shut-off valve installed inside the home when it was built. For most emergencies or repairs, shutting off the proper inside valve is all you will need to do. However, there are also underground shut-off valves installed outside at the property line.

How do I know if my main water valve is on or off?

Shut off the water by turning the ball valve 1/4 turn to make it perpendicular to the water pipe. If the ball valve is parallel, it is ON; if it is perpendicular (90° angle), it is OFF. The water meter should also be able to tell you if you have a plumbing leak somewhere in your home.

Is it bad to shut off the main water valve?

First, locate the mains water supply valve in your home. You should know where this is anyway, in case there is a plumbing emergency. The valve should have a wheel control or lever handle to open and close it. It is perfectly safe to turn it off by either turning the wheel clockwise or closing the lever.

Shutting Off The Water: How to Find the Main Water Shut Off Valve

Why do I suddenly have no water?

If your water suddenly stops running, the first thing you should do is not panic. Common reasons for the water to shut off include a closed valve, a water heater malfunction, leaky pipe, or an issue with your water supply.

Who is responsible for replacing the main water shut-off valve?

Most of the time, homeowners are responsible for replacing a main water shut-off valve. This is because the property owner also owns the water service line from the shut-off valve near their property line to their house. That means they must maintain, repair, or replace it when needed.

Is my main water shut-off valve by my water heater?

The main valve is always placed along the perimeter of the foundation, so it'll be near the wall, not the center of the household. It's also usually installed at or near ground level, so you can skip checking the upstairs and attic. In most cases, the valve is connected to a copper pipe beside the water heater.

What does a water stop valve look like?

A stopcock looks like a tap, but without an outlet spout. It will be between two lengths of pipe, acting as a connector. This allows the stopcock to block the flow of water when it's closed off.

Is the main water line connected to the water heater?

Once inside, your main line splits into two different pipe paths – one travels throughout your home and the other to your water heater.

What color is the water shut-off valve?

In newer homes, you'll find a valve that looks like this (a small yellow valve handle). To turn off the water, move the valve handle to a horizontal position. Older homes may have a valve like this (red broach valve wheel). To turn off the water turn the valve clockwise until it stops.

What are the two main water shut off valves?

Main Water Shut-Off Valve Basics and Importance

Most homes actually have two such valves: One for outside water sources, which is generally controlled by the city you live in, plus one for your indoor plumbing and water areas. So why is this interior valve so important?

What does a main water shutoff look like?

The water main shut-off valve will look like a slightly large pipe with some sort of handle stuck in the middle of it. It's not a massive pipe or valve, so it can easily blend in with the rest of your fixtures.

Why is there no water in my house today?

Check another faucet in the house: Checking the other taps will confirm if you have a problem with one tap or the whole house. If you've lost water to the whole home, it's time to call a professional plumber. Check your water shut-off valve: If you have an emergency shut-off valve, it could have accidentally tripped.

What to do if water is not coming from the tap?

What to do if you have no running water
  1. Check all of your taps. ...
  2. Ask your neighbours. ...
  3. Make sure your stopcock is open. ...
  4. Check your outside stop valve. ...
  5. Check for frozen pipes. ...
  6. Check your cold water cistern.

How do I know if my water valve is shutting off?

To determine if a water valve is open or closed, there is a simple general rule you can usually follow. Basically, if the handle is turned 90 degrees to the flow, the valve is switched off.

Will pipes burst if water is turned off?

Pipes can still burst in freezing temperatures even after you turn off your home's water. The pipes will still have water inside them, which means the water may freeze and potentially burst your pipes.

How do you test a main water shut-off valve?

Follow these steps to test a water shut off valve:
  1. Locate the valve. Your water shut off valve is usually located near the main water line for your home, which is usually in your basement or your laundry room.
  2. Turn off the valve. ...
  3. Check for water flow. ...
  4. Check the valve for leaks. ...
  5. Turn the valve back on.

Should you turn off the water heater when the water is off?

Our professional answer after crunching the numbers? No, unless you're going on vacation for a month or longer, you shouldn't turn off your water heater.

How much does it cost to replace a main water shut-off valve?

Average Replacement Costs

The cost to replace a main water shut off valve depends on the type of valve you choose: Ball valve replacement: Typically costs between $150 and $300. Gate valve replacement: Usually ranges from $200 to $400.

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