How to Shut Off Your Water During a Plumbing Emergency
Stay Calm, Act Fast — Protect Your Home Until Help Arrives
When you’ve got water leaking everywhere, time is everything. At Penning Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric, our customer service team has helped many homeowners prevent damage by simply walking them through how to shut off the water before the plumber even arrives.
This guide walks you through it step by step — and includes images to help you act fast, even under pressure.
Step 1: Find Your Main Water Shut-Off Valve
The main shut-off valve is usually located:
- In the basement
- In a crawl space
- Near the water heater
- On an exterior wall if you’re in a slab house
Look for a round or lever-style handle on a pipe coming through the wall or floor.
Step 2: Turn the Valve Clockwise (Righty-Tighty)
If it’s a round wheel, turn it clockwise until it won’t turn anymore.
If it’s a lever, turn it so it’s perpendicular to the pipe.
This stops all water flowing into your home.
Step 3: Can’t Find It or It’s Stuck?
If you’re not sure where it is:
- Check your home inspection report
- Look outside near the street (some homes have outdoor shut-offs near the water meter)
- Call us at 616-538-0220 — we’ll help walk you through it
If it’s stuck:
- Don’t force it.
- Try gently tapping the valve or using a wrench with light pressure.
Step 4: Shut Off Water to Just One Appliance
If the problem is with a single fixture, you can usually shut it off at the source:
Under-Sink Shut-Off Valves
Located in the cabinet under sinks – one for hot and one for cold.
Toilet Shut-Off Valve
Small valve near the base of the toilet — turn clockwise.
Washing Machine Valves
Usually two valves behind the machine. Turn both clockwise.
Step 5: While You Wait for the Plumber
- Mop up standing water to prevent damage
- Move valuables, electronics, or rugs
- Avoid using any plumbing fixtures
Call Penning anytime — we’re here for you 24/7 at 616-538-0220.
