How to Turn Off Your Water Supply During a Water Damage Emergency

WATER SHUT-OFF GUIDE FOR SPOKANE & NORTH IDAHO HOMEOWNERS

Step-by-Step Instructions to Stop Water Fast and Limit Damage

When water is actively leaking, the best “tool” you have is speed. Knowing how to shut off your water supply can be the difference between a small cleanup and a major restoration project. This guide walks you through locating and operating your main shut-off valve, using fixture shut-off valves when appropriate, and what to do immediately after you stop the flow.

WHERE IS THE MAIN WATER SHUT-OFF VALVE LOCATED?

Find It Before You Need It

The main water shut-off valve controls water to your entire home. In most houses, it’s located near where the water line enters the building. If you can locate it ahead of time, you’ll be able to react faster during a plumbing emergency.

Common locations for main water shut-off valves

• Basement: Often on the wall or floor where the main water line enters the home.
• Garage: Frequently near the front wall, the main water line entry, or close to the water heater.
• Outside: Sometimes near the water meter in a covered box or pit, especially in homes without basements.

How to identify your water meter and common valve types

If your shut-off is outside, you’ll typically find it near the water meter. The meter measures usage and may have a shut-off valve nearby.

• Ball valve: Lever handle; a quarter turn shuts off water.
• Gate valve: Wheel handle; turn clockwise until it stops.
• Water meter: Usually outdoors; may be inside a box in the ground with a lid.

HOW TO SHUT OFF THE MAIN WATER SUPPLY

Step-by-Step Emergency Shut-Off Instructions

Shutting off the main supply is straightforward, but it helps to have basic tools nearby. If you’re dealing with significant water intrusion, prioritize safety and avoid standing water near electrical hazards.

Tools that help you operate shut-off valves safely

• Flashlight: For basements, crawlspaces, or outdoor meter boxes.
• Wrench: For stiff or stubborn valves (use caution).
• Water meter key: Helpful for accessing and turning exterior shut-offs.

Step-by-step: turning off the main valve

• Locate the main shut-off valve near the water line entry point (basement, garage, or outside at the meter).
• Turn the valve off: For a ball valve, rotate the lever a quarter turn until it is perpendicular to the pipe. For a gate valve, turn the wheel clockwise until it stops.
• Confirm water is off by opening a faucet and checking that flow stops.

HOW TO SHUT OFF WATER TO INDIVIDUAL FIXTURES

Stop a Localized Leak Without Shutting Down the Whole House

Some leaks are isolated to one fixture, like a toilet or sink. In those situations, you may be able to shut off the water at the fixture shut-off valve instead of shutting down your entire home.

Where fixture shut-off valves are located

• Under sinks: Usually inside the cabinet for both hot and cold lines.
• Behind toilets: Typically on the wall or floor behind the toilet base.

When to use fixture valves instead of the main valve

• Minor leaks under a sink or at a supply line.
• Toilet issues like overflow risk or running water you can’t stop.
• Quick isolation while you schedule repairs and keep water on for the rest of the home.

WHAT TO DO IMMEDIATELY AFTER YOU SHUT OFF THE WATER

Drain Lines, Reduce Pressure, and Protect Your System

Drain water from pipes and turn off the water heater

• Open faucets throughout the home to drain remaining water from lines.
• Flush toilets to empty tanks and reduce pressure in the system.
• Turn off the water heater: For gas heaters, set the thermostat to “off” or the gas control to “pilot.” For electric, switch off the circuit breaker.

Document water damage for insurance claims

• Take photos of affected areas, damaged materials, and wet contents.
• Save receipts for emergency supplies, repairs, and services.
• Write down the date/time, suspected cause, and steps you took.

WHEN TO CALL A PROFESSIONAL PLUMBER

Signs You Need Expert Help Right Away

Some plumbing issues are simple fixes. Others need professional tools, diagnostics, and repair experience—especially when there’s hidden damage.

• Persistent leaks even after shutting off water.
• Unusual water pressure changes throughout the home.
• Water stains or damage on walls/ceilings that suggest hidden leaks.
• Stuck or broken shut-off valves you can’t safely operate.

PREVENTION & PREPAREDNESS FOR FUTURE EMERGENCIES

Make the Next “Oh No” Moment Way Less Dramatic

Water emergencies are stressful, but preparedness changes the whole game. A few proactive steps can reduce your risk and help you respond faster if something does go wrong.

Regular maintenance to perform on shut-off valves

• Test annually: Make sure the valve turns smoothly and shuts off fully.
• Clean and inspect: Remove debris and watch for corrosion around valve bodies.
• Check for leaks: Look for moisture around the valve and fittings.

How smart leak detectors and auto shut-off systems work

• Leak detection sensors identify moisture and send alerts to your phone.
• Automatic shut-off systems can close the main water line when a leak is detected to limit damage.
• Flow monitoring devices detect unusual usage patterns that may indicate hidden leaks.

If you’re looking for restoration support after a leak—or want to understand your options for preventing future damage— ServiceMaster by Compass can help you respond and recover with confidence.