Locate Main Shutoff
15 minutesFind street-side meter valve and house main valve.
Field context
This workflow is part of 4 niche fields
Complete guide for emergency plumbing shutoff — step-by-step workflow, tools, checklist, and expert tips to get started.
Find street-side meter valve and house main valve.
Close and reopen main; verify full shutoff.
Label under-sink, toilet, and water heater stops.
Keep wrench, flashlight, and plumber tape accessible.
Key benchmarks for emergency plumbing shutoff.
| Valve Type | Location | Turn Direction |
|---|---|---|
| Gate valve | Main line | Clockwise close |
| Ball valve | Modern main | Perpendicular close |
| Angle stop | Under fixture | Clockwise close |
Replace old gate valve with ball valve — one-quarter turn in crisis.
Five-minute drill prevents panic during burst pipe.
Some insurers discount for documented shutoff tags.