Blog Post

How To Find The Main Water Valve In Your House

Curtis Butchart • Oct 15, 2016

The main water shutoff valve to your home is usually close to your water meter. Sometimes you will find it in the crawl space under the house and sometimes in the basement.

No matter where it is located, you need to know where that is. If you don’t, take a little time to locate the city’s main water valveso you can get to it quickly if needed. One of the worst things to experience as a home owner is being unable to stop a flood in your home from a serious plumbing leak.

Possible locations:

  1. Your water meter could be located in a few different places, but in most homes the main water valve is located where your front yard meets the street. Look for a circular plate (plastic or metal) at ground level that usually says “WATER” or a concrete or plastic box (also at ground level). These boxes are typically 2 feet by 2 feet, but the circular plate is a little smaller. Lift the lid off of the box (use a pry bar if needed) and find the water meter. Next to the meter you will find the valve. If there are two valves (one on each side of the meter), turning off either valve should work.
  2. In warm weather climates, the water meter and main water shutoff valve will be located in the curbside box as just described, or it could be attached to an exterior wall. Once again, if there are two valves (one on each side of the meter), either one should work but the city prefers you shut off the one on the HOUSE SIDE of the meter.
  3. In cold weather climates, the meter and shutoff valve are likely located in a warm area inside of your house (so it doesn’t freeze). Check your basement and laundry room to find the meter. Then shut off the valve.

Tip #1 – If the utility box containing your water shutoff valve hasn’t been opened in a long time, you might find that you meter and valve have been buried by dirt. Just carefully dig out the dirt with your hands to locate your meter and main water shutoff valve.

Tip #2 – If you shut off your main water valve for any length of time, make sure to also turn off your hot water heater. Once the water is off, pressure and hot water can build up in the unit causing it to overheat or even burst.



Articles

By Curtis Butchart 06 Mar, 2017
The laundry room is one place where many people tend to overlook the importance of the water line connected to the washing machine. If you have never looked at that hose it’s a good idea to inspect it yourself to see what type of line is attached to your washing machine. One of the most common causes of a flood is a cracked water line flooding the laundry room when you are away. Coming home to a flood will ruin your day!
By Curtis Butchart 18 Dec, 2016
Water pressure and flow rates are a complex puzzle for the average person to figure out. If you feel you are not getting enough water, think of calling us to help diagnose and adjust your plumbing system to meet your needs.
By Dwain Berlin 19 Aug, 2016
City of Vancouver compliance officers regularly inspect grease interceptor units in restaurants and institutions. If you did not pass a recent inspection and need to upgrade to a unit with a greater capacity then call us to set up an appointment. We have been installing grease traps for years and will help you figure out what unit is required for your business.
By Dwain Berlin 10 Aug, 2016
The Roman’s used lead and clay piping for potable water that serviced private homes, amphitheaters, and bathhouses throughout the Roman Empire. These days PVC and PEX tubing have been gaining popularity for use for water piping in residential applications for its ease of use.
Share by: