The main valve controls the flow of water into your entire home. It is typically located in one of these places:
Basement (near the front foundation wall)
Utility room (close to the water meter)
Crawl space or outside near the foundation
Look for either:
A round wheel-style valve. Turn it clockwise to shut off
A lever-style valve. Turn it a quarter turn until it is perpendicular to the pipe
Pro tip: If your home uses a well, you will need to shut off power to the well pump instead of turning a valve.
Once the main valve is off, go to the lowest faucet in your home, usually in the basement or first floor, and turn it on. This will:
Drain the remaining water from the pipes
Reduce pressure around the leak
Help prevent water from spraying when you start repairs
Sometimes you do not need to shut off water to the whole house. Fixtures like sinks, toilets, and washing machines usually have their own valves:
Toilets: Look behind the bowl near the wall
Sinks: Check under the vanity or cabinet
Washers: Look behind the unit where you will find a hot and cold shut-off
Use these when the issue is isolated and the rest of your plumbing is fine.
After you have shut off the water, do not wait. Call a licensed plumber to inspect and fix the problem. The faster the response, the less likely you are to face long-term water damage or mold.
Need help in Attleboro, Rehoboth, Norton, or anywhere in Bristol County?
Call Pinette Plumbing at 774 226 6020. We will walk you through what to do and get someone out quickly.
If you are not sure where your valves are or how to use them, we offer in-home walkthroughs where we:
Show you how to shut off your water safely
Label your shut-off valves
Provide a checklist for plumbing emergencies
This is a smart move for new homeowners or anyone who wants to stay prepared.