How to shut off the water in an emergency

A burst pipe can release a lot of water in minutes. Knowing where your shut-off valve is, and testing it before you need it, is the cheapest insurance there is.

5 minute read · General, based on typical North American homes · Last reviewed November 12, 2026

First: is it safe?

If water is near outlets, power strips, appliances or your breaker panel, don’t walk through it. If you can reach the breaker panel safely and stay dry, switch off power to the affected area. Otherwise, leave and call your utility or emergency services.

Small leak: use the nearest fixture valve

Most sinks and toilets have their own small shut-off valve on the pipe underneath or behind them. Turn it clockwise (to the right) until it stops. This stops water to that one fixture and leaves the rest of the home running.

Bigger leak: shut off the main valve

The main shut-off valve controls all the water coming into the home. Common places to find it:

Where the water pipe enters the house: often a basement, crawl space, utility room or garage wall facing the street
Near the water heater
In a cabinet or closet on the ground floor, or near the kitchen sink
In apartments: sometimes inside the unit near the water heater or under a sink. If you can’t find one, ask your building manager where it is.

There are two common kinds:

Round wheel (gate valve): turn it clockwise until it stops. It may take several turns.
Lever (ball valve): turn the handle a quarter-turn so it sits across the pipe instead of in line with it.

If neither works or you can’t find the valve, there’s usually another shut-off at the water meter, often in a covered box near the street. It may need a special key, so call your water utility for help.

Once the water is off

Open a faucet on the lowest floor to drain the water left in the pipes.
Turn off the water heater, or set it to “vacation” or “pilot.” Heating an empty tank can damage it.
Move valuables and electronics away from the water, and start drying the area.
Take photos of the damage for your landlord or insurer.
Call a plumber, or your landlord if you rent.

Do this today, before anything leaks

Find your main water shut-off valve, and make sure nothing blocks it.
Tag it with a bright label so anyone in the household can find it.
Test that it turns (gently), then open it fully again.
Find the small shut-off valves under each sink and behind each toilet.
Save your landlord’s or a plumber’s emergency number in your phone.

Sources

This guide covers shutting off water only, not plumbing repairs. If water is near electrical outlets, appliances or the breaker panel, don’t walk through it. Stay out and call for help.