Shut-Off Valve

A shut-off valve is a simple but essential component that controls water flow to fixtures, appliances, or your entire home. Knowing where yours are located can save you from costly water damage during a burst pipe or plumbing emergency. From main water lines to individual sinks and toilets, these valves come in several styles. Angi helps you find pros and resources for all your plumbing needs.

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Common Shut-Off Valve Service Questions

It can be helpful to open one or two faucets before turning on the water main again. Turning off the main shut-off valve will introduce some air into your pipes. Having at least one faucet open should allow the air to clear as the water refills the pipes. Try to open faucets far from the main shut-off valve and on the highest floor of the house.

This depends on how old your home is and residential construction norms where you live. Most modern homes have outdoor shut-off valves, but many older homes have the water meter indoors. You're most likely to find this valve in the basement or utility closet if it's indoors. If you have an outdoor shut-off valve, it should be somewhere on the perimeter of your home.

Yes, it is safe to turn off the main water valve. As long as you don’t force the shut-off valve and break it, you can’t damage the water supply pipes by shutting off the water. We wouldn’t recommend shutting it off regularly without a good reason. However, when you need to know what to do in a plumbing emergency, shutting off the water main is a safe way to reduce water damage inside your home.

Most of the time, homeowners are responsible for replacing a main water shut-off valve. This is because the property owner also owns the water service line from the shut-off valve near their property line to their house. That means they must maintain, repair, or replace it when needed.

Most gas stoves either have a shutoff valve inside the oven drawer compartment or behind the stove wall. Cooktop shutoff valves are usually inside the base cabinet, and wall ovens usually have a shutoff valve in the cabinet below or next to the unit. Construction regulations require installing a shutoff valve within six feet of the appliance. So, if you can’t find the valve on the appliance, look around the connecting gas pipes within the six-foot radius.