In the event of a household water emergency it is important to locate the main shutoff valve for the house and turn it off. Typically, this valve is located near the point where the water line enters the house, often close to your irrigation system’s backflow assembly. It is usually simple to turn off this valve by hand, by rotating the valve handle clockwise. This action will halt the water supply to the entire house, helping prevent any further damage or flooding.
TIP: If you don’t already know where your main shutoff valve is, it is a good idea to locate it before you have an emergency.
You should not use your home’s meter valve to turn off the water supply.
The meter valve is different from your main shutoff valve and is found inside the property’s meter box—usually located in front of the house near the sidewalk or curb. Customers should not use the meter valve for the following reasons:
- The meter valve is not designed to be used as an on/off switch for your water supply. It is connected to a sensitive instrument that measures the amount of water use by your household, and tampering with it can cause damage or malfunction, resulting in inaccurate readings and potential water billing issues.
- Using the meter valve to turn off the water supply can also cause damage to the valve or meter assembly. Damage to the valve or connected pipes and materials can lead to costly repairs or replacement for which the customer will be responsible.
- The meter valve may not be easily accessible, especially in larger properties, and using it to turn off the water supply can require special tools or professional assistance.
- Attempting to access the valve without proper training or equipment can be dangerous and result in injury.
Keep in mind that turning off the water supply does not necessarily stop the flow of water within the home. Water may still be present in the pipes and fixtures, leading to leaks and damage.
If you need to turn off your water, you should use the main shut-off valve located either near or inside your home. The valve is designed for this purpose and is usually easily accessible. If assistance is needed, it is recommended to contact a licensed plumber to ensure proper and safe operation.
If you are having a water emergency and need TMWA to turn off your water at the meter, call our Emergency Hotline at (775) 834-8090.