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Emergency Procedure

How to Shut Off Your Main Water Line in an Emergency

Every homeowner should know how to quickly shut off their main water supply during plumbing emergencies. This critical 5-minute procedure can prevent thousands of dollars in flood damage.

Difficulty:Beginner
⏱️ Estimated Time: 5 minutes

How to Shut Off Your Main Water Line in an Emergency

Learn how to quickly shut off your home's main water supply during plumbing emergencies to prevent flooding and water damage. Every homeowner should know this critical procedure.

Time:PT5M
beginner

Tools & Materials Needed:

  • Water meter key (if meter shutoff)
  • Adjustable wrench (if needed)
  • Flashlight
  • Towel or rag
1

Locate Your Main Water Shut-Off Valve

Find your home's main water shut-off valve. In South Florida homes, it's typically located in one of these places: (1) Near the water heater, (2) In the garage near the front wall, (3) Outside near the water meter (usually in the front yard), (4) In a utility closet. Look for a valve with a round wheel handle or lever handle.

Pro Tip:

Take a photo of your shut-off valve location now and save it to your phone. In an emergency, you'll find it faster.

2

Clear the Area Around the Valve

Remove any boxes, storage items, or obstacles blocking access to the shut-off valve. Ensure you have clear space to turn the valve handle.

Caution:

If the valve is stuck or requires excessive force, STOP. Call a professional plumber—forcing it could break the valve and worsen flooding.

3

Turn the Valve Clockwise to 'Off' Position

For wheel-style valves: Turn clockwise (righty-tighty) until it stops. For lever-style valves: Turn 90 degrees perpendicular to the pipe. The water should stop flowing within 10-30 seconds.

Caution:

Do NOT over-tighten wheel valves—turn until snug resistance, then stop. Over-tightening can damage the valve mechanism.

4

Test That Water Is Shut Off

Go to the nearest faucet (kitchen or bathroom sink) and turn it on. The water should stop flowing or slow to a trickle as the remaining water drains from the pipes. This confirms the valve is working.
5

Call Royal Elite Plumbing Immediately

After shutting off the water, call (561) 336-0535 for emergency plumbing service. Our licensed technicians respond fast to burst pipes, sewer backups, and major leaks throughout Palm Beach County. We're available 24/7/365 for plumbing emergencies.

When to Shut Off Your Main Water Line

Emergency Situations

  • •Burst pipe flooding your home
  • •Major leak you can't control
  • •Water heater rupture or major leak
  • •Sewage backup flooding fixtures
  • •Evacuating before a hurricane

Planned Maintenance

  • •Installing new plumbing fixtures
  • •Replacing water heater
  • •Repairing water supply lines
  • •Extended vacation (optional precaution)
  • •Major bathroom or kitchen renovation

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Emergency Plumbing Help Available 24/7

Shut off your water and call immediately. Our licensed technicians respond fast to plumbing emergencies throughout Palm Beach County.

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