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Our homes are not disaster-proof, and sometimes an emergency arises. In the case of a burst pipe, sewer backup, or other plumbing emergency, you need to know where and how to shut off the main water supply. In frigid weather, pipes can sometimes freeze. Frozen water will expand and burst the pipe, so you must know how to turn off the main water valve to prevent further damage to your home. Acting quickly will help contain the damage and allow a window of time to call for help.

You should familiarize yourself with where your plumbing valves are located and how to shut them off. There are isolation valves connected to specific areas of your home and a main water shut-off valve, which shuts off water to your entire plumbing system. It’s important to know where both are located.

WHERE ARE MY ISOLATION VALVES?

Isolation valves are usually located near the fixture to which they’re connected. Most plumbing fixtures (sinks, toilets, water heaters, etc.) have a tiny valve near the plumbing that allows you to shut off the individual water supply without disrupting the whole house. Look for the isolation valves near the pipes on the fixture. You can turn off the isolation valves by turning them clockwise.

WHERE IS THE MAIN WATER SHUT OFF VALVE?

Every house has a main water valve that shuts off water to the whole house. There are a few different spots where it may be located. If you have a property inspection report, check that first to save yourself some time. Otherwise, know that the main valve could be inside or outside. First, check the indoor areas. It’s usually found in a basement or crawl space near your home’s front wall closest to the street. Look for where the water comes in from the water meter. If your home was built on a slab, the main water valves might be in the garage or near the water heater. The handle will be a gate or ball valve. Never touch the pressure regulator located just above the main water valve. That’s for a licensed plumber only.

If you can’t find the valve inside your home, the next place to look is near the front curb. Look for a cement box, called a buffalo box, buried underground. It will most likely say “WATER” or “WATER METER” on it.

You can try prying it open with a screwdriver; otherwise, special meter keys are sold at most home improvement stores. Open it slowly so critters or other surprises don’t jump out at you! Once open, you should see something like this:

Do not touch the City shut-off, as it is illegal to do so. You will see a ball valve in the ON position. Slowly give it a ¼ clockwise turn.

WHEN SHOULD I SHUT OFF THE WATER MAIN?

When there is a water leak in your kitchen or laundry room, shut off the water main to prevent further damage. To avoid severe damage from a broken water heater or loose connection to an appliance, shut off the main valve to stop water circulation in your house. Adjust your water valve before leaving on vacation, as disasters can happen anytime. It is not advisable to turn off the water in your home on a frigid day because the pipes are still storing water, so it won’t prevent anything.

Hudson Home Improvement offers customer support for all plumbing issues in Hudson County and Northern New Jersey. If you need help or have any questions about plumbing, please give us a call today!

Also Read:- A Quick Guide for a Successful Home Renovation Project