Find your main water shut-off valve before you need it: it is usually where the main water line enters the house, in a garage, basement, crawl space, or an outside box near the street. Turn it clockwise to shut the water off.
Find the valve before you need it
In many East Bay homes, the main shut-off valve is where the water line enters the house — often in a garage, basement, or crawl space. Some homes have a valve in an underground box near the street.
Take a few minutes on a calm day to locate yours and make sure it turns. A valve that has not moved in years can be stiff, so do not force it — mention it to your plumber at your next visit.
During an emergency
Turn the valve clockwise until it stops. Then open a faucet at the lowest point of the home to drain the lines and relieve pressure. Once the water is off, the damage stops growing.
With the water off, call for help. Our emergency plumbing line is open 24 hours a day, every day except Wednesdays.
Know your fixture valves too
Sinks and toilets usually have their own small shut-off valves. For a problem isolated to one fixture, closing its valve can be enough while leaving water on for the rest of the house.
Need a hand? Call Clogbusters at (510) 689-8733 or request service. We are open 24 hours a day, every day except Wednesdays, and we do it right the first time.
Frequently asked questions
Which way do I turn the valve?
Clockwise to close, counterclockwise to open — righty-tighty, lefty-loosey.
What if I cannot find or turn my valve?
Call us at (510) 689-8733. In an emergency we can talk you through it, and on a regular visit we can show you where it is.