HOW DO I SHUT OFF THE WATER TO MY HOUSE?

I imagine that if your reading this, you know that if there is a water emergency, trying to find your water shut-off valve, to stop the torrent of water pouring from the broken pipe under your sink, might be a close to impossible task, so you understand it's good to know how to do this beforehand.

Finding where your house shut-off is on your own can be a little daunting but perhaps this information will help. Here's a couple of hints.

HOT WATER VALVE..... Chances are that if a pipe breaks inside your house it will be a HOT WATER pipe so go to your water heater and shutoff the hand valve that is usually on the top of the tank.

WELL SYSTEM HOMES

If your house is on a well system, the valve is usually on a line leaving the pump area to the house.

CITY WATER HOMES

Water shut-off valves can be anywhere on the house or your home may not even have one.

All homes with city water meters have a shut-off valve attached to the meter on the street side of the actual meter but they are sometimes difficult to turn without a meter key. It's better to find the hand valve that's on your house and use that one.

Most of the time, (if you do have one) the water shutoff valve is usually on the left or right side of the house, depending on which side of the house your water meter is closest to,.

Usually they are found on a pipe that about 20 inches tall and vertical leading up to a hose connection .
Sometimes the valves are in the ground covered by dirt and a little harder to locate. Locate the hose connection that is closest to the water meter and dig down. When you dig down, be careful not to dig to with too sharp of shovel strokes. It should not be more than about 12 inches but usually less.
If you can't find one remember that a new water shut-off valve can be installed or replaced on your home.
Of course you can always call me for help or if you have any questions and, if I have the free time available, I'll stop by to see if I can locate it for you.
Ken Anderson