When a pressurized water line ruptures in your ceiling or beneath your kitchen sink, every second counts. Knowing how to shut off water to your entire home in under 60 seconds can prevent tens of thousands of dollars in structural restoration costs.
Location 1: The House Main Shut-Off Valve
Your primary shut-off valve is located on the exterior wall of your home, typically near the front hose bib or in the garage. Look for a brass ball valve (with a lever handle) or a gate valve (with a round wheel). Turn lever handles perpendicular to the pipe, or turn round wheels clockwise until completely tight.
Location 2: The Street Curb Meter Valve
If your house valve is stuck or missing, go to the concrete meter box near the street curb. Remove the cast iron lid. Locate the brass angle stop valve on the street side of the meter. Using an emergency meter key or adjustable crescent wrench, turn the rectangular brass tang clockwise 90 degrees until the padlock eyelets line up.
Once shut off, open an outdoor hose bib to drain remaining pressure from the lines, and call Rialto Precision for immediate dispatch.