How To Turn Off Your Water in an Emergency

Plumbing emergencies don’t wait for a convenient time. Whether a pipe has burst, the toilet won’t stop running, or water is pooling under the sink, you must act quickly to minimize property damage. Turning off your water in an emergency is easier than you think. Here’s what you need to know.

5 Steps To Shut Your Water Off and Get Help Now

Not sure how to shut off your water or who to call for help? Follow these steps.

1. Locate and Turn Off the Main Water Shut-Off Valve

The main shut-off valve controls the water supply for your entire house. You may find it:

• On an exterior wall in the basement, crawl space, or garage
• Outside, near the street, in a covered box in the ground
• Next to the water meter

To shut it off, turn the round valve clockwise as far as it will go. If you have a lever-style valve, turn it 90 degrees until it’s perpendicular to the pipe.

2. Shut Off Individual Fixtures if Needed

If the problem is isolated — like a running toilet or leaking sink — you don’t need to shut off the water for the whole-house. Instead, look for a small shut-off valve near the affected fixture and turn it clockwise. You might need to check under the sink, behind the toilet, or near the dishwasher and washing machine. This stops the leak without disrupting the rest of your plumbing.

3. Drain the Pipes

In the case of leaking pipes or main water line issues, turning off the water supply isn’t enough. You still need to relieve pressure and remove excess water from the pipes.

First, turn on a few faucets to let the remaining water drain out. Then, flush toilets to empty the tanks and bowls. If you suspect a frozen pipe, leave a faucet open slightly to prevent pressure buildup.

4. Check for Leaks or Damage

Look for cracks or breaks in your pipes, pooling water, and damp walls, ceilings, or floors. Start cleaning up the mess to prevent water from spreading further and causing more damage.

5. Call a Plumber

Turning off the water is the correct response in an emergency, but it won’t repair the issue. If you’re dealing with a burst pipe, faulty fixture, or plumbing mystery, it’s time to bring in the experts.

When To Shut Off Your Water

The best way to prevent a plumbing nightmare is to act immediately. If you’re dealing with any of the following, turn off the water first and ask questions later:

• Burst or leaking pipe: A pipe leak may start as a small drip, but it can become a full-blown flood without warning. Close the main water shut-off valve quickly to minimize damage.
• Overflowing toilet: When flushing turns into flooding, shutting off the water supply behind the toilet stops the overflow before it ruins your floors.
• Leaky sink or faucet: A dripping faucet may seem minor, but if water pools under the sink or sprays out unexpectedly, it’s time to cut the supply.
• Malfunctioning appliance: Dishwashers, washing machines, and water heaters can all develop leaks. If you spot water where it shouldn’t be, shutting off the supply is a smart move.
• Main water line issue: If you notice low water pressure, unusual noises in your pipes, or water pooling in your yard, there may be a problem with your main line. Turn off the water at the source until you figure out what’s happening.

Why Choose Us?

Michael’s Plumbing Service has over 20 years of experience serving Nashville and surrounding areas. As a family-owned, locally operated business, we take pride in delivering unmatched customer service with courteous, knowledgeable specialists who get the job done right. We back our work with a 100% satisfaction guarantee because your home deserves nothing less than the best.

Need help with a plumbing problem? Contact us today — we make it right … right now!