Whether you’re working on a plumbing project or responding to a leak, every homeowner should be aware of how to shut off the water. In an emergency, getting to your water shutoff quickly can mean the difference between a simple cleanup and an insurance claim. There are three main types of water shutoff valves and it’s important to understand their location and function.

Main Shutoff

The main shutoff is a single valve that controls all the water flow into your house. Usually located next to your water meter, this valve can be either inside or outside your home. Once located, make sure every adult family member is comfortable accessing and closing the valve. In an emergency, this is a sure fire way to stop things from getting worse.

Intermediate Shutoffs

Intermediate shutoffs can usually be found on exposed supply pipes in a basement or utility area. These valves control sections of your home and can be useful during repairs and remodels. There are usually separate valves for hot and cold so that each can be turned off independently. If you’re not sure which one is which, turn the faucet to hot for a while and you’ll be able to feel which pipe is heating up.

Stop Valves / Fixture Shutoffs

Many fixtures in your home have their own local shutoff valve. Toilets, sinks, faucets, and spigots often have individual stop valves for when you need to cut the supply to just that unit. These can be particularly helpful when a toilet overflows or you want to replace an existing faucet.