Whether you are a tenant or homeowner, it is essential to know where the water shut-off valve is located in your home. In the event of a leak, this valve allows you to stop the flow of water and limit the damage caused by flooding. In this article, we guide you step by step to quickly and easily find the water shut-off valve in your house or apartment.
What is a water shut-off valve?
The water shut-off valve, also known as a stopcock, main valve, or main shut-off valve, is a device that closes off the water supply to a dwelling. It plays a key role in the event of an accident, especially if a pipe bursts or a hose breaks. Quickly closing this valve can prevent significant property damage and save you from costly repairs.
Where are water shut-off valves generally located?
Their location may vary depending on the type of housing: single-family home or apartment, new or old building... However, there are some general trends regarding the location of access points to water supplies.
Single-family homes
In a single-family home, the water shut-off valve is generally located near the water meter. This is often installed outside the home, but it can also be found in the basement or on the ground floor (especially for older homes). It is recommended to check with your water supplier if you are unsure of the location of your meter.
Once the meter is identified, the shut-off valve should be nearby, on one of the pipes connected to it. It can be very visible or require a little more investigation. The handle is generally circular (gate valve) or straight (globe valve).
Apartment buildings
In an apartment located in a building, there are two types of water shut-off valves:
- Building's main shut-off valve: It shuts off the water supply to all the units in the building. It is generally located near the main meter, in the basement or on the ground floor, or in a technical room or dedicated space called a "utility room."
- Individual shut-off valve for each unit: Each apartment also has its own shut-off valve that only affects its water supply. It is often found in wet rooms (bathroom, kitchen, or laundry room), near the main pipes.
The different steps to quickly find your water shut-off valve
Step 1: Look for one or more unusual faucets
Start by visually inspecting all the wet rooms in your home, looking for a faucet that is different from those usually used for the sink, basin, or shower. It may have a circular or straight handle and be located on a main pipe serving these fixtures.
Step 2: Visually inspect the water meter
If you do not find the water shut-off valve in the wet rooms, head to the water meter in your home. You should be able to spot, either directly on the pipe connected to the meter or in its immediate vicinity, a valve with a handle or wheel similar to the one described earlier.
Step 3: Follow the main water supply pipes
If you still cannot find your water shut-off valve, take the time to inspect the main pipes of your home, especially those connecting the wet rooms and leading to the water meter.
Step 4: Contact your water supplier or the building manager
Finally, if despite all these tips you are unable to locate your shut-off valve or if you simply want confirmation, do not hesitate to contact your water supplier or the manager of your building who can indicate its exact location.
Knowing the location of the water shut-off valve is essential to be able to act in the event of an emergency related to a leak or water damage. It is useful to become familiar with the plumbing elements of your home and share this information with household occupants (especially children) so that they can also react quickly if needed.
