How to Shut Off Water During a Leak — Before the Damage Doubles

A burst pipe or a broken valve can flood a room in minutes, and every second you spend searching for the shutoff valve is a second your floors and walls are soaking. Know where your main water shutoff valve is before you need it. In most homes, it is near the water meter — often in the basement, utility room, or near the street.

When a leak happens: turn off the main valve first, then deal with the source. Open a faucet downstairs to drain remaining pressure. If the leak is from an appliance (dishwasher, washing machine, toilet), there is usually a local shutoff valve directly behind or under it. Walk through your home today and locate every shutoff — it takes ten minutes and could save you thousands in water damage.