Plumbing and Prevention: Water, Water, Everywhere

Be prepared to stop a leak by shutting off the main valve to your home.

Water is running everywhere. In a frenzy, you run around looking for the main shut-off valve and have no idea where it is. Okay, relax. Deep breath! 

With a little preparation, you’ll be ready for an emergency like this. You can even show your family how to do it, so everyone’s prepared if they discover a water leak.

If you know the source of the leak – a toilet, sink, or washing machine – you can shut off the valve for the individual fixture. But if you cannot access the fixture valve, it’s stuck, or you don’t know the source of the leak, you’ll need to shut off the main valve to your home to stop the flow.

1. Find your main shut-off valve for the house

• If you know where your water meter is located, that’s where you’ll find the main shut-off valve. You’ll also see a lid with the word “water” printed on it. You may need a screwdriver to help get the lid off. 

• If you cannot locate the meter immediately, there is often another shut-off valve on an outside wall of your home or possibly in the garage. 

2. You found the water shut-off valve, now what? There are two kinds of water shut-off valves you may encounter. 

• Lever style ball valve (looks like a flat handle). These will only move about a half pull until you feel it stop. Pull it clockwise to shut it off. 

• Gate valve (round, metal handle). To turn this off, turn it clockwise until it stops. It may take a couple of turns to shut it off completely. Turn it until it does not go any further. 

3. Agentis Plumbing is available 24/7.

• Everybody needs a good local plumber. And we don’t charge overtime rates for emergency services on nights, weekends, or holidays! Voted the best plumber in the Lehigh Valley over nine years in a row.