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How to Find a Water Shut-off Valve Outside

Every homeowner should know where the main water shut-off valve is located and how to turn it off. A plumbing emergency...

May 05, 2026
How to Find a Water Shut-off Valve Outside

Every homeowner should know where the main water shut-off valve is located and how to tu it off. A plumbing emergency such as a burst pipe can happen at any time, and the key to minimizing the damage to your house is cutting off the water supply as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, the location of the main water shut-off valve is one of those things that most homeowners don’t think about until they are facing a plumbing emergency. It’s important to make time to find where the main water shut-off valve is located in your home in readiness for any plumbing emergency that may require tuing off the water supply.

Check Outside Your Home

The main water shut-off valve is typically located at the edge of your house on the side facing the street or along the boundary between the property line and the sidewalk. Look for a covered metal box buried in the ground near your front curb.

Our Customers Reviews

Larry R.

Howell Township, NJ

It was a late Saturday night. We had a super stubborn clog in some old galvanized pipes. Mr. Rooter send out Phil. Phil was great! He found the problem pretty quick. With determination and professionalism he final got it cleared out. I would recommend Mr. Rooter and Phil to anyone! He even cleaned up. We are so happy we choose Mr. Rooter!

Rose Bernard

Red Bank, NJ

We had a plumbing emergency and found Mr. Rooter while frantically searching for a 24-hour plumber. We feel like we hit a gold mine. Not only did we get a timely response. Everyone at Mr. Rooter was friendly, professional, competent and went above and beyond. Our plumber, Phil, was extremely helpful and gave us tips we could use moving firwars. Not to mention, the cost was extremely reasonable.

Joseph Chis

Hillsborough, NJ

Had sewer water backup in toilet and tub. Received callback as promised and arrived early. The tech determined we needed the main line to be cleared. He quickly located the opening and had us cleared in minutes. Very happy with the service. I was not prepared for the fee but it was an emergency.

Christopher Cox

Little Silver Township

Plumber, Phil, came out on short notice on a Saturday night and fixed our issue quickly, professionally and courteously. I contacted a different, well known plumbing company right before Mr. Rooter. The receptionist was rude and they didn’t call me back to say they couldn’t make it until after Phil left! The Mr. Rooter receptionist was very nice and they called me back quickly. I’m glad they did.

Debbie Dimitrion

Colts Neck, NJ

I just wanted to say James did a great job at my house. Excellent service, professional and very nice. Thank you so much for helping me with my plumbing problem. Did wonderful job.

Rachel Turunen

Jackson Township

I was very happy that I went with Mr. Rooter’s. The service was very quick and up front. Jessie James was very helpful answering my questions and replacing my hot water heater. He was pleasurable to do business with. If another problem arises in my home, I will be using this company again.

William Holden

Brick Township, NJ

A thorough, professional, pleasant experience. I had a back-up in the 50 year-old pipes of my new home. I called Mr. Rooter to have them locate the blockage, snake the line, and then use their video snake to get a visual of the integrity of the pipes. I’m glad that I called and will use them again for future needs.

LarJ MarJ

Oakhurst, NJ

You get what you pay for. Edwin Robles of Central NJ educated me as a 1st time homebuyer on why and what he was repairing, prevention, PROMPT,(on a sunday at that!) clean, knowledgeable, super professional but DOWN TO EARTH and at a REASONABLE PRICE! Sewer pipes unclogged and main water line fixed. I was no longer crying once job was thoroughly executed. After all $#@* $tinks but somebody has to do it and I HIGHLY recommend him and this company for a job well done. THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!

Margie Rafferty-Criscione

Ocean Township

Absolutely lovely office staff! I always knew when the repair person was coming. Lorenzo our repair guy was awesome, I really don't think there is anything he can't do. He looks young, but don't let that fool you! So happy all the repairs are behind us. We really just did a one-stop shopping and decided to have everything we've put off fixed because it was such a tremendous experience!

How to Find a Water Shut-off Valve Outside

At Mr. Rooter Plumbing, we know the common places to check for the main water shut-off valve, thanks to our experience in the plumbing industry. Below are tips on how to locate the main water shut-off valve in your home.

Check Your Basement

If you have a basement, you can find the shut-off valve along the front wall of the house. The valve is typically installed within 3 to 5 feet of where the main water enters. If you have a crawlspace, look for the shut-off valve near the water heater or under the kitchen sink.

Scour The Interior Perimeter

In most cases, the main water shut-off valve will be located on the perimeter wall of your house. Search along the side facing the street and look for where the plumbing comes into your home.

Read Your Home Inspection Report

Get hold of the home inspection report that was generated during the purchase of your home. The plumbing section of the document must contain information that indicates the location of the main water shut-off valve.

How to Tu Off the Water Shut-Off Valve

This will depend on the configuration of the valve. A circular-style valve with a round handle should be rotated in a clockwise direction. For a lever-style valve, pull the handle a quarter tu to the "OFF" position.

If you need help finding the main water shut-off valve, you can reach out to a reliable plumbing company.

Call Mr. Rooter Plumbing for All of Your Plumbing Service Needs

When you’re in need of plumbing service in your home or business, you can rely on Mr. Rooter Plumbing to get the job done right. Perhaps you need help finding the main water shut-off valve in your home, you have a plumbing emergency such as a burst pipe, or maybe you want to schedule regular plumbing service in your property. At Mr. Rooter Plumbing, we are available to help you with all of your plumbing needs. Our knowledgeable, experienced, and well equipped plumbers have what it takes to handle all of your plumbing needs and exceed your expectations.

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