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Find your home's main water shutoff valve: six safe steps

Prepare for leaks by locating the correct indoor supply shutoff valve, learning its type and sharing the location.

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WSSC Water

Original guidance: Find your home's main water shutoff valve: six safe steps

Link card to original WSSC Water page

Plumbing layouts vary, and turning off the wrong valve can affect shared systems or fire sprinklers. WSSC Water emphasizes identifying the proper household supply valve.

Your try-it-at-home checklist

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1. Ask building management or your water utility for the location and authorized operator of your unit's shutoff valve.
2. Check likely areas near supply entries or meters, but do not manipulate sealed or shared utility equipment.
3. Identify lever and wheel-type valves, and label which plumbing run each one controls.
4. If a valve might serve fire sprinklers, a boiler or shared plumbing, do not turn it until a qualified professional identifies it.
5. Test only where management permits; never force a stuck or leaking valve.
6. Write down the location and emergency contacts for household members, and call building management or a plumber if a leak occurs.

Original guidance: Find your home's main water shutoff valve: six safe steps

Your try-it-at-home checklist

Further reading

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