If you have a leaking pipe flooding your home, you need to shut off the water immediately to the entire house. Ideally, you would have already scouted out the location of your water main shut off valve and practiced turning it off. But alas, if your reading this article were going to assume the worst case scenario (you have no idea where the shut off valve is, or how to turn it off).
To turn off the water flow into your home:
First, you need to locate the shut off valve. There are several locations you should check for the shut off valve. In southern climates, the water main shut off is commonly near the curb, under a circular manhole cover. The valve will be on the side of your house facing your street, or next to your water meter. The location and shape varies, but you are likely to have noticed a cover or valve somewhere on your property while mowing or performing lawn maintenance.
If your shut off valve is under a manhole cover, you will need to use a screw driver or other long metal object to lift the cover. These are heavy and will require some effort to open without the proper tool. You can buy the “keys” at Home Depot or other home improvement stores for easier access. You may have a hinged metal trap door or a rectangular plastic manhole cover which is much easier to open.
Once you have located the shut off valve, simply turn it clockwise until it is fully closed.
If your water heater, a single faucet, or your dishwasher is leaking you do not need to shut off the entire water supply. You should have a supply shut off valve located near the appliance or fixture allowing you to shut off only it’s water. Before shutting the water main off, check around the appliance for any water lines with a valve.
Can’t locate your cut off valve? Give us a call at 817-542-1980 and we can help you locate it over the phone!
