Everyone in your household should know where to locate the main water shut-off valve and how to turn it off. Water leaks happen any time and there have been plenty of occasions when parents are out of town when leak occurs. To prevent tremendous amount of water damage be sure to show your teenagers, babysitters, house sitters where the water shut off valve is located. 

The main water shut off valve inside your home is attached to the water line that goes into the water meter. Turning off this valve will stop water from entering the pipes and is the first thing to turn off when there’s a water leak, repair or renovation that requires new plumbing fittings.

Over time, the mineral deposits and grit can deteriorate a homes main shut-off valve making it difficult to turn off. Plus, the valve can also become brittle from age, especially if it’s an old style valve with a round handle.

If it stops working the only way to turn off the water supply to a home is to call the city or utility company to turn off your water connection from the outside shut-off near the lot line. And it takes time…even in an emergency.

Replacing the main water shut-off valve is expensive and requires both a plumbing professional and the City to be involved. Instead consider having a second shut-off added. Install a lever handle type of ball-valve shut-off on the main line after the existing shut-off. Then use the new valve to turn off the water with a quick 1/4 turn. Installing a second water shut off while the original shut-off is still operational is relatively inexpensive.