Why it matters
A burst supply line can release several gallons of water a minute, and every minute adds to the damage. Knowing exactly where your shutoff is, and making sure it actually turns, is one of the cheapest ways to protect your home.
Where to look in a Los Angeles home
Most Southern California homes don’t have basements, so the main shutoff is usually outside. Check these spots in order:
- Near the front of the house, close to an outdoor faucet (hose bib). This is the most common spot.
- Where the water line comes out of the ground and enters the house, usually on the side facing the street.
- In the garage, near the water heater, in some newer homes and condos.
- At the water meter, in a concrete box near the curb or sidewalk.
Tip: Many LA homes have a pressure regulator, a bell-shaped brass fitting, right next to the main shutoff. If you spot one, the shutoff is usually just before it.
How to turn it off
- Identify the handleA round wheel handle is a gate valve. A straight lever is a ball valve.
- Turn it the right wayTurn a wheel handle clockwise until it stops. Turn a lever a quarter turn so it sits across the pipe.
- Check that it workedOpen a faucet inside. The flow should slow to a stop within a minute or so.
Old valves can be stiff. Use steady pressure, not a hammer. If it won’t move or starts leaking at the stem, stop and use the shutoff at the meter instead.
Using the shutoff at the meter
The valve at the meter usually needs a meter key or a large adjustable wrench. Turn it a quarter turn so it sits across the pipe. The meter belongs to your water company, so use it only in an emergency and be careful not to damage it.
Shutoffs for single fixtures
Most toilets and sinks have their own small shutoff valves underneath, called angle stops. Turn them clockwise to stop water to just that fixture. If they’re old and stiff, it’s worth replacing them with quarter-turn valves before you need them.
Test it once a year
Turn the main shutoff off and back on once a year. If it’s hard to turn, leaks at the stem or doesn’t fully stop the water, have it replaced with a quarter-turn ball valve. It’s a small job that pays off the first time something goes wrong.