Imagine a pipe bursts in your kitchen, spraying gallons of water onto your floor every minute. Panic sets in. What is the very first thing you should do?
Before you grab a bucket, before you call for help, you must stop the flow of water.
Knowing how to locate and shut off your home’s main water valve is the single most important piece of plumbing knowledge a homeowner can have. It turns a potential disaster into a manageable inconvenience. At Plumber 007, we believe an informed homeowner is an empowered one. Here is your step-by-step guide to finding that crucial valve in a typical Paramount home.
Step 1: Locate Your Main Shut-Off Valve
In Paramount and most of Southern California, the main water valve is usually located outside the house. You are looking for a pipe that comes out of the ground and enters your home. The valve will be on this pipe.
Common locations to check:
- Front of the House: Check near your front garden hose faucet (hose bib). This is the most common spot.
- Side of the House: Sometimes the line enters on the side of the house, often near the garage or kitchen.
- Inside the Garage: In some homes, especially those on a slab foundation, the pipe may enter through the garage floor or wall near the water heater.
Note: There is also a valve at the water meter in a box near the street. This is the city’s valve. While you can use it in a dire emergency, it often requires a special tool. It’s always best to use your private house valve first.
(Example of an exterior main water shut-off valve)
Step 2: Identify the Type of Valve
Once you find the valve, you need to know how to operate it. There are two main types used in residential plumbing:
Type A: The Ball Valve (Most Common in newer homes)
This is a lever handle. It is the easiest and most reliable type to use.
- ON Position: The handle is parallel to the pipe.
- OFF Position: The handle is perpendicular (at a right angle) to the pipe.
Type B: The Gate Valve (Common in older homes)
This looks like a round wheel, similar to your garden hose faucet handle.
- To Turn OFF: Turn the handle clockwise (to the right) several times until it stops. Do not force it.
Step 3: Shut Off the Water
Now, simply turn the valve to the “OFF” position as described above.
Pro-Tip: If you have an older gate valve that feels stuck, do not force it with a wrench, as you could break the stem and cause an even bigger leak. Instead, call a professional to have it replaced with a modern, reliable ball valve.
Step 4: Verify the Water is Off
Go to the nearest faucet (a bathtub or an outside hose bib is best) and turn it on. The water should slow to a trickle and then stop completely. This confirms you have successfully shut off the main water supply to your entire house.
Peace of Mind from Plumber 007
We highly recommend you go outside right now and locate your main water valve. Don’t wait for an emergency to find it. Test it once a year to make sure it turns freely.
If you can’t find your valve, or if it’s old and stuck, give us a call. We can help locate it or replace an old gate valve with a new, easy-to-use ball valve.
For all your plumbing needs, emergency or routine, contact the experts at Plumber 007.
Call us at +1 562-242-2124 or schedule service online.