Everyone in Your Home Should Know Where the Water Shut-Off Is Here’s Why

When water begins to pour into your home, the first instinct is to stop it. But what if you don't know how? Every homeowner and every member of the household should know where the main water shut-off is and how to operate it.

Knowing this ahead of time can save thousands in damage. Your main shut-off valve is usually located where the water line enters your home: in a utility room, basement, crawl space, or outside near the foundation. Practice turning it off before there’s a crisis. If it's tough to turn, get a wrench designed for the job and store it nearby.

But don’t stop at the main line. Know how to shut off water at each appliance or fixture: the valves under sinks, behind toilets, or at the back of your washing machine. Localized shut-off can prevent an overflowing toilet or burst dishwasher line from flooding your entire home.

In an emergency, every second counts. Educating your household about water shut-offs gives you precious time to act and prevents minor issues from becoming major catastrophes.