Knowing how and where to turn off the water in your home is important. If an appliance breaks or a pipe bursts, it can cause serious water damage to your home and your possessions. Knowing how to turn the water source off successfully could prevent costly water damage and potential flooding. In the average home, there are generally three places where you can turn your water off, depending on the source. Our professionals at Mr. Restore have seen many homes that could have avoided catastrophic water damage to their homes had they known where these sources were located and how to stop the water source from spreading.
Shutting the Water Off Locally
Many appliances in your home, such as the sink, toilet, dishwasher, and icemaker, can be turned off right at the source. This is usually the best way to turn off the water because it is easiest and will allow the other home appliances to continue operating. Each appliance has its own shut-off valve and can be disconnected in a similar manner.
- Sink – The shut-off valve for sinks are generally located under the sink, right where the water tubes connect to the faucet. You will need to turn off both the hot and cold water valves.
- Toilets – Look at the bottom or base of the toilet for the shut-off valve.
- Dishwasher – Look under your kitchen sink for a water supply tube that connects to your dishwasher. It will usually be located next to the kitchen sink valve.
- Ice Maker/Refrigerator – The shut-off valve for the refrigerator will be located next to the copper or mesh water supply tube behind the appliance.
- Showers or Tubs – Showers and tubs are different because you will need to look for an access panel around the tub. It will usually be on the other side of the wall in another room. Once you find it, you will find the shut-off valve.
If you cannot find the specific shut-off valve for your appliance, don’t panic! You can still prevent water damage by turning off the main water supply.
Shutting the Water Heater Supply Off
Your home has pipes that are designated for hot water and cold water. If you have a leaking hot water pipe, you will want to immediately turn off the hot water source at your home’s water heater. Your hot water heater will have two different valves, one for hot and one for cold. Each valve will be labeled blue and red: blue for cold water coming into the heater to be warmed up and red for hot water pumped to your appliances. You will want to turn off the red valve if a hot water pipe is leaking. You should turn off the blue valve if you need to repair or replace the entire water heater.
How to Turn the Water Off at the Main Shutoff Valve
Every home has a main shutoff valve that will stop all water from pumping into the home. Keep in mind that your sinks, toilets, appliances, and other faucets will not work if the main shutoff valve is turned off. You will want to turn off the water from the main shutoff valve if you have a leak in the home’s main branch line or if an appliance does not have its own shutoff valve. Look for the main shutoff valve on an outside wall where your home’s utility center is located. It is usually very large and can be spotted easily. Turn the valve clockwise to turn off all water in your home.
If a water emergency occurs in your home, do not wait to contact Mr. Restore. The longer you wait to contact a restoration professional after water damage occurs, the more likely extensive damage and costly repairs will occur. Mr. Restore has over 50 years of experience dealing with water damage. Our professional technicians will walk you through the entire process!
