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How to Find a Water Shut-off Valve Outside
How to Find a Water Shut-off Valve Outside
4.8 RATING

How to Find a Water Shut-off Valve Outside

Every homeowner should know where the main water shut-off valve is located and how to turn it off. A plumbing emergency...

September 16, 2026
How to Find a Water Shut-off Valve Outside

Every homeowner should know where the main water shut-off valve is located and how to tu it off. A plumbing emergency such as a burst pipe can happen at any time, and the key to minimizing the damage to your house is cutting off the water supply as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, the location of the main water shut-off valve is one of those things that most homeowners don’t think about until they are facing a plumbing emergency. It’s important to make time to find where the main water shut-off valve is located in your home in readiness for any plumbing emergency that may require tuing off the water supply.

Check Outside Your Home

The main water shut-off valve is typically located at the edge of your house on the side facing the street or along the boundary between the property line and the sidewalk. Look for a covered metal box buried in the ground near your front curb.

Check Your Basement

If you have a basement, you can find the shut-off valve along the front wall of the house. The valve is typically installed within 3 to 5 feet of where the main water enters. If you have a crawlspace, look for the shut-off valve near the water heater or under the kitchen sink.

Our Customers Reviews

Chahib Chakrome

Summit, NJ

The service provided was great, nothing to say about the work of the plumber. 5 stars to him. But the company charges felt way too much for the work. We would have liked to have the same plumber take care of other things in the house, but every time he check how much extra the company will charge for the job, the price just got too much. The plumber did an amazing job he selected a beautiful faucet to replace our old one. He did his best. But the company prices have no room for negotiation.

Tiffany DeSande

Plainfield, NJ

A million stars!!!! Steve and Lucas were absolutely amazing. My parents pipes burst and within 4 hours of calling they came and fixed everything!!! Very nice guys and dealt with my panicking. I will always use them if needed in the future and you all should too!!! Thank god for people like this!!! Thank you so much guys!!!

Naomi Langer-Seltzer

New Brunswick, NJ

We got very quick service, I think the plumber actually arrived in less than an hour! After reviewing what was happening, he gave us our options and performed the option we selected. This happened in the late afternoon or early evening. It was already dark and there was a lot of snow on the ground.

Steve Smith

Mountainside, NJ

I needed immediate, same day service in the early evening at my home. I went to the internet and looked up plumbing services that offered "24-hour, 7-day a week" availability. The first 3 places I called said that they could not get to me until the following day. Then I called Mr. Rooter. They were courteous and promptly got a technician to my house within an hour and a half. The technician, Lucas Kaufmann, was exceptional. The job was not easy, but he figured the problem out and got me all fixed up within an hour's time. Moving forward, I…

Stephanie Brown

Cranford, NJ

Despite what was quite obviously a busy day (day after Thanksgiving at 10pm) TJ came out and did not leave until the job was done! There were several setbacks, which at the late hour might have prompted him to leave- but he chose to stay and continue until the job was complete! I only have one bathroom so I was really hoping he could make it work, and he really did a wonderful job! So thankful for all of his help! I highly recommend TJ!

Shaheen Dhanani

Union, NJ

This is my second time using Mr. Rooter and I have to say they are an excellent company of experienced professionals! The service techs were courteous, experienced and actually spent time trying to figure out the issue before proposing the solution. They were also patient and answered all my questions without rushing the work. I will be using them again.

Christie Murphy

Montgomery, NJ

TJ was amazing! 10/10 recommend this company. We were in an emergency state of panic with a burst pipe in the middle of a bad snowstorm. TJ came with knowledge, professionalism, kindness, and found the root of the problem within five minutes of being here. We will be using him again in the spring to fix an outdoor issue he found!

Alan Abraham

Clark, NJ

The technicians were friendly, professional and knowledgeable. The price was too high I believe, but the technicians had no control over that. The technicians took their time and did a great job. I would use them again and also recommend them.

Amy Swart

Berkeley Heights, NJ

Excellent service! Charles and Nicholas of Mr. Rooter arrived to my scheduled service a few minutes early, wore sanitary shoe coverings, and were extremely professional. They found the source of my leak quickly and fixed the issue. While they here, I requested an additional hydraulic heating inspection which they accommodated. They were very knowledgeable and provided helpful tips. I highly recommend this team and I will definitely call them for all future plumbing needs!!

JACKY Coppola

Wall Township, NJ

TJ came to my aid as the water pipe froze in my house. Although nothing could be done he gave me hints of what could be done my me which was very helpful. I found TJ very professional and caring about my situation. The best part of the very long night was the dogs adored him one wanted to accompany him to his next job. Thank you for employing such an amazing man. Plus today there is water running in the house. Thank you TJ and thank you Mr. Rooney plumbing for employing a man with helpful hints!!!!!

At Mr. Rooter Plumbing, we know the common places to check for the main water shut-off valve, thanks to our experience in the plumbing industry. Below are tips on how to locate the main water shut-off valve in your home.

Scour The Interior Perimeter

In most cases, the main water shut-off valve will be located on the perimeter wall of your house. Search along the side facing the street and look for where the plumbing comes into your home.

Read Your Home Inspection Report

Get hold of the home inspection report that was generated during the purchase of your home. The plumbing section of the document must contain information that indicates the location of the main water shut-off valve.

How to Tu Off the Water Shut-Off Valve

This will depend on the configuration of the valve. A circular-style valve with a round handle should be rotated in a clockwise direction. For a lever-style valve, pull the handle a quarter tu to the "OFF" position.

If you need help finding the main water shut-off valve, you can reach out to a reliable plumbing company.

Call Mr. Rooter Plumbing for All of Your Plumbing Service Needs

When you’re in need of plumbing service in your home or business, you can rely on Mr. Rooter Plumbing to get the job done right. Perhaps you need help finding the main water shut-off valve in your home, you have a plumbing emergency such as a burst pipe, or maybe you want to schedule regular plumbing service in your property. At Mr. Rooter Plumbing, we are available to help you with all of your plumbing needs. Our knowledgeable, experienced, and well equipped plumbers have what it takes to handle all of your plumbing needs and exceed your expectations.

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