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It's something every homeowner needs to know: Where is your home's main water valve, and how do you turn it off and on? Keep reading and we'll give you some very helpful tips.

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It is important to understand that different plumbing arrangements will dictate where the proper main supply valve is located. Some homes have the water meter located inside, while others are located outside, underground within a “pit” at or near the property line or right-of-way. Some homes also have submeters, which typically are inside even if the main meter is outside/underground. Newer homes have fire sprinkler systems, while older ones generally do not. Home construction also differs greatly; basements, crawl-spaces, and slab-on-grade. Water shut-off valves may have round “wheel” handles or lever handles.

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If you're experiencing a water emergency, such as a broken water main, or a sewer emergency, report it using our mobile app, email the Emergency Services Center, or call us at 301-206-4002.

If your home has a fire sprinkler system, care is needed when selecting a shut-off valve. Unless it is a sprinkler pipe that is leaking, you should only shut off the plumbing supply and leave the sprinkler piping charged/live.

Crawl-space with no basement – the shut-off valve typically is located near the water heater or under the kitchen sink, but anywhere is possible. If it is located inside the crawl space, you may want to consider a second valve located in the living space, for example, near the water heater or under a sink.

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Basements – the shut-off valve is typically located near the front foundation wall. The main water may come through the concrete floor or through the wall. The valve is typically within three to five feet of where the main water enters. In some cases, the main water may enter in a different area, like a mechanical room, up through the floor, near the water heater or furnace.

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Knowing where your home's main water supply is located, and how to turn it off, is as important as knowing how to find and reset an electric circuit-breaker.

Crawl-space plus a basement – the shut-off valve may be where the water enters the basement; in some older homes, the shut-off may be inside the crawl space. If your shut-off valve is located in a crawl space, you may want to consider a secondary valve located in the basement.

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Every home was required to have a main water shut-off valve installed inside the home when it was built. For most emergencies or repairs, shutting off the proper inside valve is all you will need to do. However, there are also underground shut-off valves installed outside at the property line. If it's necessary to shut off this valve, please call a registered master plumber or WSSC Water at 301-206-4003 to work this valve.

Slab-on-grade construction – the shut-off valve typically is located near the water heater or under the kitchen sink, but anywhere is possible.

If the water shut-down is for a broken sprinkler line or sprinkler head, locate the first valve (that is, the one closest to the main water line entry point) and operate that valve as described below.