What is the main water shut-off valve?
The main water shut-off valve is the valve that stops all water coming into your home from the street. When a pipe bursts or leaks badly, closing it is the fastest way to stop the damage. Every adult in the home should know where it is.
Where is the main shut-off valve in most Eau Claire homes?
In most Eau Claire homes with a basement, the main valve is on the wall that faces the street, where the water line comes through the foundation. It is usually close to the water meter, often just before or after it.
- Basement: look low on the front foundation wall, near the meter.
- No basement: check the crawl space, a utility closet, near the water heater, or an attached garage wall.
- Still cannot find it: follow the pipe from the water meter. The first valve on the house side is usually the main.
Water leaking and you cannot find the valve? Call (715) 800-0086.
How do I turn off the main water valve?
Turn it gently until it stops, then open a tap to check the water has stopped. There are two common kinds of valve.
- Wheel handle (gate valve): turn clockwise, to the right, until it will not turn further. It may take several turns.
- Lever handle (ball valve): turn a quarter turn so the lever is across the pipe, not along it.
- Check it worked: open a faucet on the lowest floor. The flow should slow and stop.
What should I do if the valve is stuck or leaks?
Do not force a stuck valve. Old valves can snap or start leaking at the stem if you use too much force. Close the nearest fixture valve instead, and have a plumber replace the main valve.
- A little water at the stem after turning can often be stopped by gently tightening the nut behind the handle.
- If the valve will not move at all, the water utility can close the curb stop by the street. See water line repair in Eau Claire for who to contact.
What other shut-off valves are in my home?
Most fixtures have their own small valve, so you can stop water to one spot without shutting off the whole house.
| Valve | Where | Use it when |
|---|---|---|
| Main shut-off | Basement front wall, near the meter | Any burst pipe or large leak |
| Toilet valve | Wall behind the toilet | Toilet overflowing or leaking |
| Sink valves | Under the sink | Leak under a sink or faucet |
| Water heater valve | Cold pipe on top of the tank | Water heater leaking |
| Outdoor faucet valve | Inside wall behind the faucet | Closing outdoor taps for winter |
How do I test the valve once a year?
- Turn the main valve off.
- Open a tap to check that the water stops.
- Turn the valve back on slowly to avoid a pressure jolt.
- Close the tap once the water runs clear and steady.
Pair this with your fall checklist in our guide to winterizing your pipes in Eau Claire. If a pipe has already burst, see how to protect your floors and walls.
Need a plumber to replace an old valve? Call (715) 800-0086.
What else do people ask about the main shut-off valve?
Which way do I turn the main water valve to shut it off?
For a round wheel handle, turn it clockwise (to the right) until it stops. For a lever handle, turn it a quarter turn so the lever sits across the pipe.
What if my main shut-off valve is stuck?
Do not force it with a long wrench or hammer, because an old valve can break and leak. Try the fixture valve closest to the leak instead, and call so a local plumber can replace the main valve.
Is the valve by the curb mine to use?
The valve near the street, called the curb stop, usually belongs to the water utility. In Eau Claire, contact the city water utility if you need it closed. See our water line repair page for the city emergency numbers.
How often should I test my main shut-off valve?
Once a year is a good habit. Turn it off, check that the taps stop, and turn it back on slowly. A valve that is never used is more likely to stick when you need it.