Where is the main water shut-off valve on my property?

The main water shut-off valve is typically located at the front of your property near the water meter, either in a covered meter box at ground level or in a pit near the boundary. In apartments, it may be in a service cupboard or under the kitchen sink.

How do I turn off the water supply to my house?

Locate the main shut-off valve at the water meter and turn it clockwise until it stops. For a lever-style valve, turn the handle perpendicular to the pipe. After shutting off, open a tap inside to confirm the water has stopped flowing.

Can I turn off water to just one fixture?

Yes. Most toilets, sinks, and washing machines have individual isolation valves (also called mini stop taps) on the supply pipes directly below or behind the fixture. Turn these clockwise to isolate water to that fixture only without affecting the rest of the house.

What should I do if my shut-off valve is stuck or broken?

Do not force a stuck valve as it may break and cause flooding. Contact a licensed plumber who can replace the valve or your water retailer who can shut off the supply at the street connection if it is an emergency.

Should I turn off the water when going on holiday?

Turning off the main water supply when leaving the house for extended periods is a good precaution against undetected leaks or burst pipes. Also consider turning off the hot water system to save energy while you are away.

How to turn your water off

April 10, 2024

Learn the best way to turn your water off in an emergency

This quick and easy guild will tell you how to turn your water off no matter what type of building your in

So you suspect you have a water leak in your home? You may have a really high water bill, some signs of water pooling in your front yard or even water spurting out under your kitchen sink cabinet. You could have a burst water pipe. So what should you do?

Before you even call a Melbourne plumber, the first thing to do is to turn off your water supply. Now this can be easy in some houses and it can be down right impossible in others. Let me run you through how you turn you water off. When you locate the tap or valve handle you want to turn it clockwise to isolate the water.

What you are essentially looking for is a valve handle on the water meter or a valve handle on your water supply line.

You may need a few tools with you. These could be a shifting wrench or a pair of pliers.

Different places you can find your water meter…

If you live in a stand alone brick veneer home in the suburbs, chances are your water meter will be located at the front of your house. You will have walked pass it hundreds of times (sometimes without knowing) and it will more than likely be located in the lawn area or a garden bed.

If you live in a unit or duplex closer to Melbourne your water meter could be located on the side of your home, you will notice this usually in the front yard but sometimes these are located in the back as well. There should also be a mains water meter that you can turn off. Please not that turning this off will turn both or all of the units in your block off and should only be used if you cannot find your individual meter or if your individual meter does not work.

If you live in an apartment block you water meter should be located in the carpark below if you have an underground carpark. In newer blocks these will usually be located in a group with other water meters and can be located inside a cabinet usually near other services. When turning off the water supply to an apartment, make sure you are turning off the water to your apartment and not someone else’s in the same block. You can usually tell by the markings on the meter itself – look for your apartment number.

If your in a factory or office building, your water meter should be located at the front of the property. You will usually see the water meter located close to the fire service and will usually be a larger valve and meter assembly. You may need some tools to help you turn off the water. If you have a factory unit or your office is part of a complex you may have an individual meter located near the front door of your office.

Once you have your water turned off you’ll need to contact a qualified plumber to help you with your plumbing issue. If you cannot find your water meter even after following our guild please call us for specific instructions

Book Your Plumber Online or 1300 664 932

About The Author

Richard Foster

Founder, Operations Manager Richie has been the owner and operator at Fix-It Right Plumbing since 2007 and has been plumbing since he was 16. He has had vast experience in domestic, commercial and industrial plumbing. He is a firm believer in doing it once doing it right. Richie’s passion for getting to the bottom of a problem created the culture that exists in all the plumbers at Fix It Right and also the slogan “Preventing Plumbing Disasters” 1300 664 932 or Book Your Plumber Online.

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