Shut off the main water supply
Gas smell, sparking, or anyone hurt: leave and call 911.
How to find and close the main water valve when water is still running into your home.
Before you start
- If water is near outlets, cords, appliances or the electrical panel, do not walk through it. Leave and call 911 or your electric utility.
- If you smell gas, see sparks, or a ceiling is sagging, leave now and call 911.
- If you must stand in water to reach the valve, do not go. Call your water utility.
Steps
- Look for the main valve where the water line enters the home. It is often in a basement or crawlspace, or outside near a hose faucet.
- If the handle is a round wheel, turn it clockwise until it stops.
- If the handle is a straight lever, turn it a quarter turn so it sits crosswise to the pipe.
- Do not force a stuck valve.
- If you cannot find the valve or it will not turn, call your water utility. Do not turn the valve at the meter yourself.
- Open a faucet to check. The flow should slow and then stop.
After
- Write down the time you shut the water off.
- Take photos of the damage if it is safe to stay in the room.
- Call your insurance carrier using its own number.
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Script version 46cc86d79fc7 · approved 2026-10-22