Every homeowner must know where the main water shutoff is. A 1-inch pipe releases 650+ gallons per hour — locate and test your valve today.
Your main shutoff is typically: (1) where the water line enters your home — often in the basement, crawl space, or utility room; (2) at the water meter near the street; or (3) in a meter box at the property line.
Test the valve annually by turning it off and checking that water stops at all fixtures. Stuck valves are common — apply penetrating oil and use two wrenches if needed. Tag the valve location for all household members.
Smart shutoff valves can close automatically when leaks are detected — see our smart leak detection guide for whole-home options.
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