Shutoff Valves
How to Shut Off Water to Your House
The short answer
To shut off water to your whole house, find the main shutoff valve where the water line enters the home. For a burst pipe or major leak, this is the first thing to do. For a single fixture, look for individual shutoff valves under the sink or behind the toilet.
Common symptoms
- Pipe burst or major leak
- Fixture is leaking and needs repair
- Water heater is leaking
- Planning to leave town for an extended period
- Need to isolate a fixture for repair
Safe things you can check
- ✓Whole house: find the main shutoff where the water line enters — usually a crawlspace, basement, or utility room. Gate valve (round wheel) turns clockwise; ball valve (lever) turns 90°.
- ✓Single fixture: look for small shutoff valves under the sink (hot and cold) or behind the toilet. Turn clockwise to close.
- ✓If the main valve is stuck, don't force it — a broken valve makes the situation worse. Call us to replace it.
- ✓Test the valve now — shut it off briefly and confirm water stops at a faucet. Don't wait for an emergency to discover it's seized.
- ✓Label the main shutoff so anyone in the house can find it.
When to call a professional
If the main shutoff is stuck, won't turn, or leaks when operated, we replace it before you need it in an emergency. A seized valve is a liability — the one time you need it is the one time it can't fail.
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Reviewed by Paul Hall, Owner & Licensed Plumber
The Classic Plumber · Knoxville, TN · License #4268
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