How to shut off your home's water
Knowing the main water shutoff can turn a major leak into a contained repair. Locate it before an emergency and make sure everyone in the household knows where it is.
Safety classification
Safe homeowner task
This guide covers safe first actions only. It is not a licence to perform regulated work or enter a dangerous area.
What to do
- 1
Look for the meter and stop tap
In detached homes it is often near the front boundary or water meter. Apartments and shared properties may use an individual valve, a common riser or building management access.
- 2
Check the area is safe
Do not enter floodwater near electricity, traffic, unstable ground or a confined service area.
- 3
Turn the valve gently
A wheel valve generally closes clockwise. Lever valves usually close when the handle is across the pipe. Stop if it will not move without force.
- 4
Confirm the flow slows
Open a cold tap briefly and check whether flow reduces. The pipe may take a moment to drain.
- 5
Arrange the repair
A shutoff controls damage; it does not repair the failed pipe or valve.
When to stop
- The valve is seized, broken or leaking
- Access requires entering water near electricity
- You are unsure whether the valve is for water or gas
- It is a shared supply and isolation may affect other occupants
Plumbing
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