If a specific sink, toilet, or appliance is leaking, you may be able to turn off the water only to that fixture instead of shutting off the whole house.

If a pipe has burst or water is rapidly flooding, you’ll need to turn off the main water supply immediately.

Toilets: Look for the valve near the base of the toilet, usually on the wall or floor. Turn it clockwise to shut off the water.

Sinks: Shutoff valves are usually under the sink. One controls hot water and the other cold—turn both clockwise to stop the flow.

Washing Machines: There should be two valves behind the machine—one for hot and one for cold. Turn both clockwise.

Dishwashers: Many dishwashers share a shutoff valve with the kitchen sink. If not, check under the sink for a separate valve.

In most homes, the main shutoff valve is found in the basement, crawl space, garage, or near the water meter.

In warmer climates, it may be outside, near the foundation or buried in a meter box.

If you have a gate valve (a round handle), turn it clockwise until it stops. This may require a wrench if it’s stiff.

If you have a ball valve (a lever handle), turn it 90 degrees so it’s perpendicular to the pipe.

Lift the cover of the water meter box.

Use a meter key or an adjustable wrench to turn the valve clockwise until it stops.

If you’re unsure or unable to turn it off, contact your local water utility or an emergency plumber.

A burst pipe or major leak

A water heater failure

Persistent low water pressure after turning the water back on

A broken shutoff valve that won’t close properly