DIY guideMain water shutoff

Turn off the main water

Close the main valve where the water comes into the house, so no pipe or tap gets water while you wait for a pro.

7 steps

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Go to where the water pipe comes into the house, usually low on a basement wall at the front. Look for the meter, a small dial on the pipe.
The main valve is on the same pipe, right beside the meter. It has a round wheel handle or a lever.
In a condo or an apartment, your unit usually has its own shutoff. Look in a utility closet, beside the water heater or under the kitchen sink, and turn that one, not the building's main.
Turn a wheel handle clockwise until it stops. Turn a lever a quarter turn, so it sits across the pipe.
Turn it by hand. Forcing a stuck valve with a wrench can break it.
Open the lowest tap in the house, like a laundry sink. A little water runs out, then it should stop.
Turn it back on slowly, all the way, then look at the stem for drips. Closing and opening it once a year keeps it from seizing.
If water drips from the stem, leave it on and ask Handyman for a plumber.
If the valve won't turn or water leaks at the handle, stop. Ask Handyman for a plumber, or call your water utility to shut the water off at the street.
Keep away from water near outlets, cords or the electrical panel.

Handyman says: Stop there. I'll find a plumber.

Free for every home. Handyman asks a few questions, then books a pro it trusts.