Find your main water shutoff valve
A burst pipe won't wait for a plumber. Know where this one valve is and you can stop the water in seconds.
- Look where the water pipe comes into the house: in a basement it's usually on the front wall, within a few feet of where the pipe enters.
- No basement? Check near the water heater or under the kitchen sink.
- To shut it, turn a round wheel handle clockwise (it may take two or more turns), or turn a lever a quarter turn so it sits across the pipe.
- Open a tap on the top floor to let the pressure out and check the water stops.
Tip: Leave any underground valve at the street or property line to your water utility or a licensed plumber. If the indoor valve is stuck or leaks, call a plumber rather than forcing it.
Try it now: Go find the valve now, while nothing is leaking, and make sure the way to it isn't blocked by boxes.
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