Emergency Water Shutoff Guide for Main Line and Appliances

Have you noticed that your water heater is leaking? Or your washing machine? How about your toilet?

One of the first things you want to do is stop the leak by shutting off the water. But do you know how to do it?

Read on to learn how to use the emergency water shut off valves in your home to stop leaks, prevent water damage, and keep you from having extensive property damage. We cover the main water line, water heaters, toilets, and washing machines below.

How to Shut Off the Main Water Supply

You may have to turn off the main water supply if you run into an issue like frozen pipes or a burst pipe.

There are two ways to turn off the main water supply:

1. At the main water valve by the street
2. At the homeowner shutoff (usually located by your front flowerbed)

You can use whichever you feel most comfortable with but first, you need to know where the valve to the main water supply or the homeowner shutoff is located. Don’t wait to learn this! But if you don’t know, call your local plumber or the City Public Services or the Police Department non-emergency dispatch line (if after hours) for assistance shutting down your water main. It’s recommended to learn the location before you run into a serious issue.

Turn Off the Main Water Valve

1. Find the valve of the main water supply – You may need a street key to access the main terminal box.
2. Twist the valve in a clockwise rotation until it shuts down completely – You may need to use a wrench to get enough torque to turn the valve.
3. Open the external faucet to relieve the pressure and let out the water from the system.

Turn Off Water at the Homeowner Shutoff

1. Find the homeowner shutoff in the box near where your front flowerbeds are or would be.
2. Turn the valve clockwise until it shuts down completely.
3. Open the faucet to relieve pressure and let out the water from the system.

How to Turn Off the Hot Water Heater

If you have a leak at your water heater or on a hot water line, it’s important to turn off the water as quickly as possible to reduce the water damage to your home and belongings. These steps will stop a leak from becoming a disaster.

Step 1: Turn off Gas or Electricity

Make sure that the electricity or gas supply to the water heater is off. Never work near water with electricity running to the appliance.

For an electric water heater:

1. Find the specific breaker for the water heater on the panel of your circuit breaker.
   • If you’re not sure which it is, you may have to guess until you find the right one.
   • Take note of what each one switches off, and mark the breakers, so this process is easier in the future!
2. Switch it off.

For a gas water heater:

1. Find the thermostat knob of the heater – It’s generally found at the lower part of the appliance.
2. Turn it clockwise until it reaches the “off” position.

Step 2: Turn Off the Water

1. Locate the handle at the top of the heater on one of the two incoming water lines.
2. Close the valve by twisting the handle clockwise.
3. Keep twisting until the water stops running.

Step 3: Drain the Water

Even though you’ve stopped water from running into the appliance, there will still be water left in the tank, which could leak, so it’s best to drain the water out.

1. Get a water hose.
2. Connect it to the drain faucet, located at the lower part of the water heater.
3. Run the hose away from you, pointing it into a tub or outside, if possible.
   • Pro Tip: Rusty or hot water can cause injury, so always place the other end of the hose lower than the appliance.
4. Secure the connection of the hose at the drain faucet.
5. Once the hose is secure, open the water heater’s drain faucet to allow the water to drain out.
6. Opening the hot side of a water faucet in your house will also help the water drain by relieving suction on the line.

How to Shut Off Water to Your Toilet 

Turning off the water to your toilet is extremely easy, and it comes in handy if you experience an overflowing toilet or one that simply won’t stop running.

1. Locate the stop valve behind and below your toilet.
2. Turn the valve clockwise
3. If you’re having trouble turning the valve, put on a pair of heavy-duty gloves, or use pliers.

How to Shut Off Washing Machine Water Lines 

If your washing machine is experiencing a leak or you need to perform repairs, you’ll want to turn off the water supply. Depending on the type of washing machine you have, there are a couple ways to shut off the water.

If You Have a Valve 

If you have a valve, turning off the water to your washing machine is very similar to the procedure for shutting off the water to your toilet.

1. Find the two water shut off valves There will be two valves located behind your washing machine: one for hot water and the other for cold.
2. Turn the valves clockwise.
3. Use gloves or pliers, if needed.

If You Have a Lever

Some newer washing machines use a lever instead of a valve. If you have this,

1. Pull down on the lever to stop water to your appliance.

If you’re experiencing a leak in your home, knowing how to use the water shutoff valves for your main appliances can help prevent further damage and protect your budget, belongings, and home. Locate all shutoff valves and check them regularly so they work properly in an emergency. Any valve that’s hard to turn, rusted, or leaking should be replaced.

If you’ve shut off your water due to a plumbing issue, it’s best to get it fixed right away so you can safely use your water and appliances again. The expert, licensed technicians at CW Service Pros are here to help Dallas-area homeowners 24/7, including water heater repair. Call 972-853-9895.