Finding Your Main Water Shut-Off
Short answer: most homes have a valve where the line enters the house, often near the front hose bib or in the garage, and another at the meter near the street. Find yours before you need it.
Request a plumberAt the house
Check near the front hose bib, the garage or the water heater.
At the meter
The meter box near the curb has a valve.
Close it
Turn clockwise until it stops.
Test it
Close and reopen it yearly.
Fixture valves
Toilets and sinks have their own.
Water heater
The cold valve stops water into the tank.
Label it
Tag the valve for the household.
Stuck valves
Don't force it; a plumber can replace it.
Earthquake kit
Keep a meter key and wrench with your emergency supplies.
Teach the family
Show everyone old enough how to close it.
Older homes
In older Salinas homes the valve may be a gate valve with a round handle that takes many turns. Newer ball valves close with a quarter turn of a lever.
Next
See emergency plumbing.
More plumbing guides
Leak, clog or no hot water?
Send a request and a plumber will get in touch. Requests answered 7 days a week.
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