There are two valves that control the flow of water into your home or business. Here’s how to shut off the flow of water.
Option 1: Main Water Valve
Where is it located?
Outside near exterior walls, in a garage, or in a basement.
Your home or business will have a main water shut off valve that controls the water coming into the property. This valve is typically located outside near the outside walls, or in a garage.
How to shut it off
There are two styles of valves. It will either have a lever or a globe.
Lever: Rotate lever so that it’s perpendicular with water pipe.
Globe: Twist clockwise (to the right).
Option 2: Main Water Meter/Valve (at the street)
Where is it located?
Outside near the street, driveway, or walkway.
If option 1 is unsuccessful at shutting off the flow of water, you can shut it off at the main meter/valve that the city uses to check your water use. You need to use this valve if your other main water valve fails, or you have a leak before the other valve.
How to shut it off
Step 1: Remove the valve cover. The concrete type can be removed by hand, or by using a tool that can be inserted into the hole in the cover and hooked from inside. The metal type may require a socket wrench or channel lock to remove the nut.
Step 2: Use channel locks to grasp valve and turn clockwise