Why bother
When a pipe bursts, every minute of flow adds water damage. Many people waste precious time searching basements while water pours from a ceiling. A little preparation now makes a big difference.
Doing it, in order
- Go to the cellar wall facing the street.
- Look for the water meter; the main valve is typically just before it.
- In finished basements, check closets, under stairs or behind panels.
- In townhouses, look in the utility room or near the water heater.
- Turn the valve clockwise to test it, then reopen it fully.
- Tag it with a bright label.
- Show everyone in the house.
If the valve is stiff, drips at the stem or will not turn, do not force it. Book a replacement.
When the job becomes ours
Call if you cannot find the valve, if it will not turn, or if it is a gate valve you do not trust. We replace old valves with quarter-turn ball valves.
Your bucket-and-rag checklist
- Find it in the basement
- Turn it off and on
- Mark it with a tag
Stop line: If the valve won't turn, don't force it. Ring (365) 517-0032.
Questions people ask us
What if I cannot find it at all?
We can find it, and add an access panel if it is behind a wall.