Where is the main water shut-off valve in Inland Empire homes?
Most Inland Empire homes have the main shut-off outside on the wall closest to the street or in the garage along the front wall. If you can't find it, the water provider's valve in the meter box at the curb also shuts off the house. For a ball valve (lever handle), turn the lever a quarter turn so it sits crosswise to the pipe. For an older gate valve (round wheel handle), turn it clockwise until it stops. Test it once a year; gate valves in particular seize after long periods unused. Every member of the household should know where this is before there's an emergency.
Where to look for your main water shut-off
The main water shut-off is usually in one of these locations:
- Outside near the front of the house: usually a valve on the pipe that comes up out of the ground near the front hose bib, often next to the pressure regulator
- In a curbside meter box: the water provider’s valve at the property line, a backup if you can’t find your own; it needs a water meter key
- In the garage: wall-mounted ball valve or gate valve, often near where the water line enters
- In a utility closet: newer homes, sometimes near the water heater
- In a crawlspace: older homes, where the line first enters the structure
Right now (not in a pinch): walk around your house and locate it. Take a photo. Show family members. Make sure it actually turns. Many shut-offs corrode in place and don't work when you need them. If yours is stuck or leaks, call (909) 312-4516 or text (909) 247-6791; we'll go over your options for replacing it.
How do I shut off the main water valve?
- Go to the main shut-off: Use the list above to find it.
- Close the valve: Lever handle (ball valve): turn it a quarter turn so it sits crosswise to the pipe. Round wheel (gate valve): turn it clockwise until it stops. Don't force a stuck gate valve with a wrench; old ones can break.
- Confirm the water is off: Open a faucet inside to make sure the water has stopped and to drain pressure from the pipes.
- If it won't close: In an emergency, close the valve at the meter with a water meter key. It belongs to your water provider, so turn it gently and don't force it. Then call us.
- Turn it back on slowly: After the repair, open the valve slowly with a faucet open to let air out of the pipes.
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