How to Shut Off Your Water Main in an Emergency

Every homeowner should know where the main water shut-off valve is — before an emergency happens. In most North York homes, the shut-off is on the front basement wall, near where the service pipe enters the house.

Turn the valve clockwise (right) until it stops. If it's a lever, rotate it 90 degrees so it's perpendicular to the pipe. Water should stop within seconds.

Once a year, exercise the valve — turn it off and on — so it doesn't seize. If it's stiff, corroded or leaks when moved, call us to replace it with a modern quarter-turn ball valve.