Shutting Off Your Water in an Emergency
In an emergency, nobody wants to be hunting for a valve. Spend ten minutes now so that, if a pipe bursts, you know exactly where to go and what to turn.
Request a plumberBasement homes
Look on the foundation wall facing the street, where the water line enters. The valve is usually close to the meter, if the meter is inside, or near the water heater.
Homes without basements
Check the utility room, a closet near the water heater, under the stairs or inside the crawl space hatch.
Which way is off
A lever handle is closed when it's crosswise to the pipe. A round handle closes clockwise. Turn steadily; old valves can snap if forced.
Make sure it works
Close the valve and open a faucet. If water keeps running after a minute, the valve isn't sealing and should be replaced.
Smaller valves
Each toilet, sink, the washer and the water heater should have its own shut-off, so you can isolate one leak.
If it won't close
Contact Ogden City about the curb valve, and see emergency plumbing.
Show everyone
Show everyone in the house where the valve is and how to close it. Tie a tag to it, and keep a flashlight nearby if it's in a dark corner. A house sitter should know too.
Upgrade if needed
If your main is an old gate valve that's stiff or weeps, ask about replacing it with a quarter-turn ball valve. It closes in one motion, which helps in an emergency.
Leaving for winter
If you head south for part of the winter, close the main, drain the lines by opening the lowest faucets and turn the water heater to vacation or off. Keep the heat on at a safe level.
More plumbing guides
Request a plumber
Repairs, renovations and new projects. Tell us what you need and we'll pass it straight to a plumber, who will call you to go over the job and give you a quote.
- Plumbing repairs, renovations and new projects
- Ogden, North Ogden, Roy and Weber County cities
- Get a quote before any work starts
Plumbing problem in Ogden?
Send a request and a plumber will get in touch. Requests answered 7 days a week.
Prefer email? [email protected]