When a pipe bursts, the first thing a plumber will ask is whether you've turned off the water. Most people don't know where the valve is until they're standing in an inch of it. Find yours today, while nothing is wrong.
Where to look first
In most Yuba City homes, the main shutoff is in one of three places:
- On the front or side of the house, near a hose bib, where the supply line comes up out of the ground.
- In the garage, close to the water heater or along the wall that faces the street.
- At the meter box near the curb. This one belongs to the city, but it can be used in an emergency with a meter key.
How to close it
A round handle is a gate valve. Turn it clockwise until it stops. That can take several turns.
A straight lever is a ball valve. Turn it a quarter turn so the handle sits across the pipe instead of in line with it.
Once it's closed, open a faucet on the lowest floor to drain the pressure out of the lines.
If the valve won't turn
Older gate valves seize after years without use. Don't force a stuck valve with a wrench; the stem can snap and leave you with a bigger leak. Use the meter box valve instead and call us to replace the house valve with a ball valve that turns easily.
Make it easy to find
Tag the valve with bright tape, clear away any plants around it, and show everyone in the house where it is. If you rent out the home, add the location to your move-in notes.
Need help now? See our emergency plumbing service in Yuba City.