Quick answer

Where is my main water shut-off valve?

Your main shut-off is where the supply line enters the house — a utility closet, garage wall, basement, or under the kitchen sink in a slab home. If it is not inside, it is in the meter box at the property line, on the house side of the meter. Turn clockwise.

Updated

Last updated (10:37 PM)

How to find and shut off your main water valve.

Find it and tag it now, before you need it. In a burst-pipe emergency the search costs more than the repair.

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Where the valve is, by house type

Slab foundation

Look under the kitchen sink, in a garage wall box, or outside near the hose bib closest to the street.

Pier and beam / basement

Follow the supply line where it enters — often a utility closet or basement wall.

Meter box

If there is no house valve, use the meter on the house side. Need a meter key for many lids.

Handle types

Round wheel = gate valve (several clockwise turns). Lever = ball valve (quarter turn).

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Related questions

Clockwise to close. Several full turns on a wheel; a quarter turn on a lever.

Stop. Forcing an old gate valve can snap the stem and turn a contained leak into an open main. Call a plumber.

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