Shutoff Water During an Emergency

Valves and Hose Bibs
Written By Nicholas Santee

How to Shut Off Your Water in an Emergency: A Room-by-Room Guide for Phoenix Valley Homes

When water is pouring from a broken pipe, a burst supply line, or an overflowing fixture, every second matters. Most homeowners have never been shown where their shutoff valves are — until there's an emergency. This guide walks you through every shutoff valve in a typical Phoenix Valley home so you're prepared before something goes wrong.

If you are experiencing a plumbing emergency, Please give us a call 4808479769

Or visit our Emergency Plumbing Services page: https://www.mountainvistaplumbing.com/emergency-plumbing-services

The Main Water Shutoff

This is the most important valve to know. Closing it stops water flow to the entire house. In most Phoenix Valley homes, the main shutoff is located at the water meter — typically in a concrete box near the street, curb, or sidewalk. There may also be a secondary main shutoff on the house side of the meter, often near the wall of the home. Know both locations. In an emergency, turn it clockwise (righty-tighty) to close.

Kitchen Shutoffs

Under your kitchen sink, you'll find hot and cold supply lines running up to the faucet. Each has an individual shutoff valve — usually oval or lever-style handles. There's also typically a separate shutoff for the dishwasher, located under the sink or behind a lower cabinet panel. In an emergency involving the kitchen faucet or dishwasher, close these valves before calling for help.

Bathroom Shutoffs

  • Toilet: Located on the wall behind and below the toilet tank. Turn clockwise to close. This stops water to the toilet only.

  • Sink: Under the bathroom sink, same as the kitchen — hot and cold supply line valves.

  • Shower/tub: Most showers and tubs do not have individual shutoff valves accessible to homeowners. If your shower supply line fails, you'll need to shut off the main.

Water Heater Shutoff

Your water heater has a cold water inlet valve on the top or side — this is the supply line bringing cold water in to be heated. Closing it stops water from entering the heater. If your water heater is leaking, close this valve and switch the unit to pilot (gas) or off (electric) before calling a plumber.

Visit our Water Heater Service page for more information: https://www.mountainvistaplumbing.com/water-heaters

Irrigation and Outdoor Shutoffs

Outdoor hose bibs (exterior spigots) typically do not have individual shutoffs — they're controlled by the main. However, if you have an irrigation system, there should be a dedicated shutoff valve for the irrigation supply, often located near the backflow preventer or pressure vacuum breaker assembly at the side of the house.

Make a Shutoff Map for Your Home

Take 15 minutes this weekend to walk through your home and locate every shutoff valve. Write them down or take photos. Share the information with everyone in your household. In a real emergency, this preparation can mean the difference between a minor repair and a major water damage claim. If you find valves that won't turn or seem corroded and stuck, call us — a stuck shutoff valve is a risk you don't want to discover mid-emergency.

If you feel like you have a leak, please visit our Leak Detection and Repair page for more information: •        https://www.mountainvistaplumbing.com/leak-detection-repair

Call Mountain Vista Plumbing today at 480-847-9769 or visit mountainvistaplumbing.com to schedule your service.

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Nicholas Santee
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