Find and Test Your Main Water Shutoff Before You Need It

Where the main shutoff usually is

In most Georgia homes, the main shutoff sits where the water line enters the house. Common spots are the crawlspace near the front wall, a basement wall, the garage, a utility closet, or near the water heater. Slab homes often have it in the garage or a closet on the side of the house that faces the street.

There is usually a second valve at the water meter near the street. That one often needs a special meter key, and some water utilities ask homeowners to leave it to them. Your inside valve is the one to know.

Source: U.S. EPA WaterSense — Fix a Leak Week

Know which kind of valve you have

There are two common types. A ball valve has a lever handle. A quarter turn so the handle sits across the pipe means off. In line with the pipe means on. A gate valve has a round wheel handle that turns clockwise several times to close.

Ball valves are quick and reliable. Older gate valves are the ones that stick, or only close part of the way after years of sitting open.

Give it a gentle test once a year

Turn the valve off slowly, then open a faucet inside to make sure the water actually stops. Then turn the valve back on slowly and let the faucets run a moment to clear any air. Once a year is enough to keep it from seizing.

Do not force a valve that will not move. No cheater bars, no pipe wrench on the handle. A stuck or old valve can snap or start leaking at the stem, and then you have a leak you cannot shut off. If it is stiff, leaks when you turn it, or does not fully stop the water, stop there.