Short answer
Most Southern California homes have a main shutoff where the water line enters the house, often on an outside wall near the front, and a second valve at the meter by the street. Turn a gate valve clockwise or a lever valve a quarter-turn until perpendicular to the pipe. If it is stuck, do not force it; use the meter valve with a meter key or call your water utility.
Find it before you need it
Look on the front or side wall where the pipe enters, in the garage, or near the water heater.
Close it
Gate valves: turn clockwise. Ball valves: a quarter-turn.
Not sure it is safe to keep running? A local technician can check it today.
Call NowIf it is stuck
Old valves can break when forced. The meter valve at the street needs a meter key.
After shutting off
Open a low faucet to drain pressure and turn off the water heater.
- Label the valve
- Keep a meter key handy
- Have old valves replaced
Related questions
Is it OK to use the city meter valve?
Many utilities allow homeowners to close it in an emergency; check your local rules.
Should I turn off the water heater?
Yes, turn gas to pilot or switch off power for electric heaters.
Services that fix this
Emergency Plumbing
Burst lines, water heater failures, overflowing toilets and leaks that cannot wait.
Emergency plumber in Paramount
Burst Pipe Repair
Split copper, failed galvanized, broken fittings and burst supply hoses, repaired and pressure-tested.
Burst pipe repair in ParamountThis guide is general information for homeowners, not a diagnosis of your system. For anything involving gas, carbon monoxide, electricity or active leaks, stop and call a qualified professional.
