
How to Shut Off the Water to Your Home When You Have a Leak
Jan 15
2 min read
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How to Shut Off the Water to Your Home When You Have a Leak

Discovering a leak in your home can be stressful, but acting quickly can prevent serious water damage. The most important step is shutting off the water supply to stop the flow before it causes major problems. Whether it’s a burst pipe, a leaking appliance, or a dripping fixture, knowing how to turn off your home’s water can save you time, money, and headaches.
Step 1: Identify the Source of the Leak
Before shutting off the entire water supply, determine where the leak is coming from. If it’s a small fixture like a sink or toilet, you may be able to turn off the water just to that appliance rather than shutting off your entire house’s water.
Step 2: Turn Off Individual Fixtures (If Possible)
Many appliances and fixtures have their own dedicated shutoff valves:
Sinks & Toilets: Look underneath the sink or behind the toilet for a small valve. Turn it clockwise (right) to shut off the water.
Washing Machines & Dishwashers: These usually have shutoff valves on the water supply hoses behind or underneath the appliance.
Water Heaters: If your water heater is leaking, turn off the cold water supply valve located near the top of the unit.
If the leak is coming from a pipe or an unknown source, you’ll need to shut off the main water supply.
Step 3: Locate Your Main Water Shutoff Valve
Your home’s main shutoff valve controls the water supply to your entire house. It’s typically located:
Inside the house: Near the water meter, in a basement, garage, utility room, or along an exterior wall.
Outside the house: Near the street or sidewalk in a ground-level utility box.
Step 4: Turn Off the Main Water Supply
Once you’ve located the shutoff valve:
For a wheel (gate) valve: Turn it clockwise (right) until it stops.
For a lever (ball) valve: Turn the handle 90 degrees (perpendicular to the pipe) to shut off the water.
Step 5: Drain the Pipes
Even after turning off the water, some water remains in your pipes. To minimize potential flooding:
Turn on a faucet at the lowest level of your home to drain excess water.
Flush toilets to remove remaining water from the tanks.
Step 6: Call a Professional
Once you’ve stopped the leak, it’s time to assess the damage and get the issue repaired. If you’re unsure how to fix the problem, call Dino Plumbing & Service Pros for fast and reliable plumbing repairs. We’ll get your home’s water system back in working order quickly and efficiently!
📞 Need emergency plumbing help? Contact us today at 435-236-4568.
We are the best plumber near me option in St. George, Utah, are transparent, competitive with the best warranties in the industry. We put our focus into providing the highest quality of work and customer service.
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Jan 15
2 min read
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