Finding the shutoff valve for your outdoor water supply is an important task for any homeowner. Knowing how to locate and use this valve can help you quickly shut off water in the event of an emergency like a burst pipe or leak. With some preparation and detective work, you can track down your home’s outdoor shutoff valve in no time.
What is an Outdoor Water Shutoff Valve?
An outdoor water shutoff valve, also called a curbstop valve or service valve, is an access point that allows you to manually shut off the water supply from the main line to your home. It is usually located underground in a valve box near where the main water line connects to your property. Shutting off this valve stops all water from entering your home’s plumbing system.
Outdoor shutoff valves are a critical emergency tool and should be exercised regularly to ensure they function properly when needed. Locating and labeling your shutoff valve makes it quick and easy to find in the event of a plumbing emergency. Shutting water off at the main valve is often the first step in resolving leaks or burst pipes inside the home.
Why Find and Use Your Outdoor Shutoff Valve?
There are several important reasons to locate and familiarize yourself with using your home’s outdoor water shutoff valve:
- Emergency water shutoff – Finding and closing the valve lets you quickly stop the flow of water into your home in an emergency like a major leak, burst pipe, or damaged water heater. This can prevent flooding damage.
- Routine plumbing repairs – Shutting off the main valve isolates your home’s plumbing to safely make repairs like replacing fixtures or pipes without draining the whole system.
- Prevent water waste – If you plan to be away from home for an extended time, shutting the outdoor valve can ensure leaks or running toilets don’t waste water while you’re gone.
- Winterize plumbing – Shutting off and draining outdoor pipes and valves helps prevent them from freezing and bursting in extreme cold weather.
Knowing where your shutoff is and how to operate it gives you control over your home’s water supply when you need it most.
Locating the Outdoor Shutoff Valve
Outdoor water shutoff valves are usually installed 12-18 inches below the surface in a valve box or casing near the point where the main water line enters your property. There are a few steps you can take to track down your home’s outdoor shutoff valve:
Check Near the Front Property Line
Outdoor shutoff valves are most often found near the front property line close to the street. Start by inspecting the groundcover in this area. Look for any capped, covered casings or valve boxes that may be hiding the shutoff valve underneath. The valve may also be indicated with a flat, concrete square labeled “water.”
Follow the Main Water Line
Trace the incoming main water line from the street to your home. Inspect where the line enters your property and follow its path. Oftentimes, the shutoff valve will be installed within a foot or two of where the main line comes onto your property.
Refer to Plumbing Records
Check any plumbing plans or records you have for your home. These may indicate the valve location. If you don’t have plans, call your public works department to see if they have installation records for your property showing where plumbing lines and valves are located.
Use a Water Line Tracer
A landscape valve tracer is a specialized metal detector that can electronically locate underground water pipes and valves. Rent or borrow one of these tracers if visual inspection fails to uncover the valve box. Carefully run the tracer wand over the suspected areas and mark when you pick up the valve’s metal signals.
Call a Professional Plumber
If you still can’t find your home’s shutoff valve, hire a professional plumber to locate it for you. They have the right tools and expertise to find hidden or obscured valves quickly. This service is usually inexpensive and worth the peace of mind.
Gaining Access to the Shutoff Valve
Once you’ve located the probable site of your outdoor shutoff valve, you need to gain access to it:
- Remove any dirt, mulch, or other ground coverings obscuring the top of the valve casing or box. Clear an area approx 12 inches around the box.
- Use a shovel to carefully dig around the valve box if it is buried. Try not to damage water lines leading to the valve.
- If the valve box lid is capped or covered, unthread and remove it using pliers or a wrench if necessary.
- Remove the upper portion of the valve casing until you expose the top of the shutoff valve inside. Be careful not to damage the valve body itself when digging or prying.
Take care uncovering and handling the valve components to avoid breaking them. If the valve box is badly corroded or the valve damaged, replacement may be necessary.
Identifying and Operating the Shutoff Valve
Once uncovered, you need to identify the shutoff valve itself and test operating it. Things to look for:
- There may be two valves – one for household water, one for irrigation. The household valve is usually 3/4 to 1-inch diameter.
- Look for a hand wheel or flat head on the valve that can turn it on/off when rotated. Main shutoff valves usually close by turning clockwise.
- Confirm it’s the main shutoff by initially opening the valve, then closing it a half turn. Have someone inside check that water outlets are shut off after a few minutes.
- Fully reopen the valve once you’ve confirmed it controls whole-house water. Never leave the main valve fully closed if not absolutely needed.
- Test turning the valve off/on several times to ensure smooth operation when needed for an emergency. Don’t force a stuck valve – have it serviced instead.
Mark the valve’s location clearly for quick identification later. A brightly painted stake or flag by the box is handy. Some also permanently label the shutoff box lid itself with “Water Valve” markings.
Maintaining and Protecting the Valve
Take steps to keep your outdoor shutoff accessible and in good operating condition:
- Keep the interior valve box clean of dirt and debris so the valve body remains easy to access and turn.
- Lubricate the valve’s threaded stem annually with penetrating oil to prevent it seizing up.
- If freezing winters are a concern, insulating or heating tape for the valve box may be necessary.
- Install a physical barrier like large stones or a short fence around the valve box to prevent it being damaged or obscured.
- Show all household members and any house-sitters the valve location and how to operate it in an emergency.
Routine maintenance ensures your outdoor shutoff valve works quickly and reliably when you need it most.
Shutting Off Water in a Plumbing Emergency
In a major plumbing emergency like a burst pipe or broken water heater, knowing how to shut off the water can prevent extensive flooding and water damage. Follow these steps:
1. Locate and Access the Shutoff Valve Box
Refer to your valve markings/labels to quickly locate the box. Uncover or open the lid.
2. Identify and Test the Shutoff Valve
Check for a handwheel or flat head that rotates to turn off water flow. Turn it slightly to test operation before fully closing.
3. Close the Shutoff Valve Fully
Use the handwheel or flat head to rotate the valve clockwise until tight to cut off all water.
4. Check Water Flow Inside
Have someone inside test sinks and toilets to confirm water is fully shut off after a few minutes.
5. Address the Leak or Burst Pipe
With main water shut off, you can now safely assess damage and make repairs.
6. Turn Water Back On Slowly
Once repairs are finished, slowly turn the outdoor valve counterclockwise to restore water supply. Check for any remaining leaks.
7. Flush Pipes and Restore Pressure
Run sinks/tubs briefly to flush sediment and air. Water pressure should normalize after some time.
Knowing how to quickly locate and shut off your home’s outdoor water valve can help you act fast in plumbing emergencies to reduce property damage and costly repairs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Outdoor Water Shutoff Valves
How far from my house should the outdoor shutoff valve be located?
Typically within 2 feet of where the main water line enters your property, usually by the front property line close to the street. Building codes require it be installed within a short distance of the main.
Why won’t my outdoor shutoff valve turn or fully shut off water?
Old, mineral-encrusted valves may be stuck or seized up. Penetrating oil or a bit of gentle tapping can help free a stuck valve so it rotates. If not, replacement of the valve may be needed.
Is it normal for my shutoff valve to leak a little when closed?
A small drip when fully closed is fairly common with older valves and not a major issue. But a steady leak indicates valve replacement is needed. Never leave a leaking shutoff valve fully closed long term.
Should I turn off water at the street instead of the home’s shutoff valve?
Using your own outdoor shutoff valve is preferable as it affects only your property. Turning water off at the street cuts service to multiple homes and should only be done by utilities personnel, except in emergencies.
What steps can prevent my outdoor shutoff from freezing in winter?
Insulating the valve box, installing a freeze-proof casing, positioning insulation foam inside the box, using UL-rated heat tape, and/or closing indoor valves prior to winter can help avoid frozen outdoor shutoffs.
Does my irrigation system have a separate shutoff valve?
Often yes – an additional shutoff valve just for landscape irrigation will be present. Make sure you locate and label both the household water and irrigation valves if you have dual systems.
What if I can’t find my shutoff valve anywhere on my property?
Hire a professional plumber to locate your shutoff valve if you’ve exhausted all options. Replacing a missing or inoperable shutoff with a new, easy-to-access valve box is recommended for your safety and convenience.
conclusion
Locating and becoming familiar with using your outdoor water shutoff valve is one of the best investments you can make for your home’s plumbing safety. Knowing how to quickly shut off water in emergencies could prevent extensive water damage and save you considerable expense and headaches down the road. Taking a little time to identify your shutoff valve’s location, properly maintain it, and be confident operating it can give you great peace of mind knowing you’re prepared to handle plumbing crises effectively.