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34.07° N · 118.10° W · WESTERN SGV

Finding your main water shutoff

Knowing where your main water shutoff is turns a flood into a small mess.

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Mon–Sat · Monterey Park, Alhambra, Rosemead, San Gabriel and nearby

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Updated · 3 min read

Straight answer

Look where the water line enters the house, usually at the front near a hose bib or in the garage. Turn it clockwise (or a quarter turn for a lever) to close. If it is stuck or leaks, replace it before the day you need it.

What this covers
  1. Where to look
  2. Two styles of valve
  3. Testing it
  4. Replacing a bad shutoff
  5. FAQs

Where to look

Most SGV houses have a house shutoff where the line from the meter comes up out of the ground, often beside the front hose bib.

Others have it in the garage, near the water heater, or in a crawlspace. The meter box at the curb also has a valve, but that one belongs to the water supplier.

Start at the meter box then Follow line toward house then Check front hose bib area then Check garage and heater then Check crawlspace1Start at the meter box2Follow line toward house3Check front hose bib area4Check garage and heater5Check crawlspace
The order to search for your main shutoff.

Two styles of valve

Gate valve: Round wheel handle; Many turns to close; Often seizes with age; Common in older homes. Ball valve: Lever handle; Quarter turn closes it; Reliable seal; Standard upgradeGate valve• Round wheel handle• Many turns to close• Often seizes with age• Common in older homesBall valve• Lever handle• Quarter turn closes it• Reliable seal• Standard upgrade
Main shutoff valve styles.

In valley homes from the postwar decades, such as the many Monterey Park houses built in the 1950s according to Census Reporter, the original gate valve may still be there.

Testing it

Turn it closed and open a faucet inside. Water should stop. Then reopen it.

If the handle will not turn, do not force it with a wrench; a stem can snap. If it closes but the faucet still runs, the gate inside is worn.

Replacing a bad shutoff

The supplier's curb valve is closed, the old valve cut or unscrewed, and a full-port ball valve installed. This is often paired with a pressure regulator check, since the two sit close together.

FAQs

Can I use the curb valve in an emergency?

Many owners do, but it may require a meter key and is the supplier's equipment. A working house valve is better.

Do condos have their own shutoff?

Often yes, inside a unit or a utility closet. Ask the association if unsure.

Should the main valve be fully open?

Yes. A partly closed valve can reduce pressure throughout the house.

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