Key takeaways
- Find the main shutoff before you need it.
- Ball valves turn a quarter turn, gate valves need several.
- Exercise the valve once a year so it does not seize.
- A valve that will not close should be replaced.
Where it is
Look where the water line enters the house: a basement or crawl space wall, a garage, a utility closet, or near the water heater. Many homes also have a valve at the meter, in a ground-level box near the street, that the water utility can control.
Label the valve with a tag so anyone in the house can find it quickly.
How to use it
A lever handle is a ball valve, and turning it a quarter turn so it sits across the pipe closes it. A round wheel handle is a gate valve and needs several turns clockwise. Close it gently. If it is stiff, do not force it.
After closing the valve, open a faucet to drain the pipes and confirm the water is off.
Keep it working
Valves that sit for years can seize or leak when finally turned. Close and open yours once a year to keep it free, and call a plumber if it is stuck, drips or does not shut the water completely.
Replacing an old gate valve with a quarter-turn ball valve is a quick job that gives you a dependable shutoff for the next emergency at your Nashville home.
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Quick answers
What if my main valve will not turn?
Do not force it. Use the shutoff at the meter, which the water utility can help with, and call a plumber to replace the stuck valve.
Should I shut off the water when I go on vacation?
For longer trips it is a smart habit, especially in winter or in a house with older pipes.
Ready to talk it through? Get a free estimate or call 615-431-3789.